Researchers from China managed to get a genetically modified sheep with a gene responsible for the production of "correct" fats. Scientists have borrowed this gene from the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, which is widely used in research as a model organism.
A transgenic sheep named Peng Peng, named after the authors of the study (Peng Peng), was born this year on March 26th. The researchers say the animal is developing healthy and normal, GlobalScience reports, citing BGI Ark Biotechnology Co., LTD, which is one of the partners of the Beijing Institute of Genomics.
The cloning project itself was launched two years ago. During this period, biologists were able to replace the standard type of procedure with a more simplified form of the so-called "manual cloning". According to them, the new method is distinguished by a more efficient procedure, given the specificity of the climate and a noticeable lack of modern equipment.
The source of the cellular material was a Chinese merino wool sheep (the authors did not explain why they chose this particular breed). In the animal's genome, scientists have introduced a gene involved in the production of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the body of the roundworm C. elegans. Then the transgenic egg was transplanted into a surrogate mother who endured Pen Pen for a certain period. The information also does not indicate the number of attempts that were followed by positive results.
Many scientists consider polyunsaturated fatty acids to be very beneficial for the human diet. Like vitamins, these acids are an indispensable element of nutrition for a person, since his body is not able to produce them naturally. Typically, the main source of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is seafood and fish oil, as well as vegetable oils and nuts. Chinese scientists suggest that in this case, sheep's milk and meat will become a rich source of these substances.