Aashish Verma | International Journal of Animal Biotechnology and Applications | Vol 10, Issue 02 | pp. 6-10 | ISSN: 2455-7315
Abstract
CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology has revolutionized genetic engineering, ushering in a new era of advancements in biotechnology. Derived from the adaptive immune system of bacteria, the CRISPR-Cas9 system offers unparalleled precision and efficiency in genome editing. Its applications in animal biotechnology are extensive, encompassing livestock improvement, disease resistance, and biopharmaceutical production, as well as environmental conservation. In livestock, CRISPR has enabled the enhancement of desirable traits, such as higher productivity, improved nutritional quality, and resistance to devastating diseases like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). Furthermore, it has been instrumental in developing animal models for studying human diseases, significantly advancing drug discovery and therapeutic research. CRISPR has also shown remarkable potential in conservation biology, where it is being utilized to protect endangered species by bolstering their genetic resilience against environmental and pathogenic threats. In the biopharmaceutical sector, genetically modified animals are being used as biofactories to produce vital therapeutic proteins and vaccines, offering scalable and cost-effective solutions to medical challenges. Despite its immense promise, the use of CRISPR is not without challenges. Ethical concerns surrounding genetic modification, potential off-target effects, and regulatory hurdles pose significant barriers to its widespread adoption. Advances in CRISPR variants, such as base and prime editing, offer solutions to enhance specificity and minimize risks, making its application more robust and reliable. This article examines the groundbreaking role of CRISPR in animal biotechnology, highlighting its applications, advantages, and challenges. By addressing existing challenges, CRISPR can unlock new frontiers in agriculture, medicine, and conservation, heralding a new era of precision-driven innovation.
Keywords: CRISPR, genetic engineering, livestock, endangered species, animals
Keywords
genetic engineering, CRISPR, livestock, endangered species
References
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