USDA, KEITH WELLER
Cattle with the mouse gene SP110 added to their genomes have immune cells that are better at slowing the growth of Mycobacterium bovis and are less susceptible to developing the internal symptoms of tuberculosis (TB), according to a study published this week (March 2) in PNAS.
In the first successful creation of transgenic cattle using the genome-editing tool transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN), researchers from Northwest A&F University in Shaanxi, China, inserted a mouse nuclear body protein gene, SP110, into the genome of fetal Holstein-Friesan cow cells. The cells were then used as nuclear donors for embryos that gave rise to 23 live cattle, 13 of which survived past six months. The gene was chosen for its known role in innate immunity to M. tuberculosis, ...
