Transgenic

Animals
Ingrid Moen et al (2012)

Genetically modified to contain a DNA segment from

another species or breed.
 Importance of Transgenic Animals
 Used regularly as models in biomedical research
(understanding gene function in human diseases
and responses to therapeutic interventions)

Animal Models help in

95% are genetically understanding how a particular
modified mice as disease (Alzheimer’s, diabetes,
experimental animal hypertension, and cancers)
develops and what treatment can
be effectively used.
Transgenic Mice
(Research Advantage)

 Small size allows confinement

in large numbers

 Tissues and organs (lungs,

liver, heart) are essentially
similar with those of humans

 Available in large number of uniform

strains (coat colors of agouti, black, and
albino)
Mouse Strains
Pubmed Publications as
of April 2023
Transgenic Mice

 1995 version of glow-in-the-dark

mice (Davidson, 2000)

Developed by Contag and Associates by engineering luciferase

genes and transferring them to Salmonella for mass production
(each reproducing bacterial cell contained the engineered genes)

Mice fed with the bacteria glowed and allowed tracing of

infection. When treated with antibiotics, the glow faded.
 Implantation of transgenic
Egg collection and fertilization zygote

A means to
developing True
Transgenic Mice:
Microinjection
and implantation Transgene Microinjection Conception and delivery
of transgenic
zygote.

The technique
originally developed
by Marshall A.
Barber in 1911
Importance of Transgenic Animals

 Drug discovery and production of nutritional

supplements

 Vaccine Test for safety (initially in monkeys before

vaccine administration to humans)

 In Agriculture, genetic engineering offer options for

developing livestock with enhanced growth performance
with efficient feed utilization, milk yield, and disease
resistance
Transgenic Animals for enhanced
Agricultural Productivity

Atlantic Salmon genetically

engineered to grow twice
as fast (4-6 kg a year
earlier) as its non-GM
counterpart.
US-FDA approved in 2015
and introduced in the
market in 2022.

Canadian Food Inspection

AquAdvantage Salmon by AquaBounty Agency approved in 2016
and allowed market in 2017
Technologies, USA
Transgenic Animals for enhanced
Agricultural Productivity
Engineered to remove the
gene for enzyme catalyzing
production of alpha
galactose (an allergen
most mammals produce.

Approved by FDA in 2020

both for human consumption
and medical use.

May provide tissues or

organs for human
GalSafe pigs from Revivicor, USA implantation.
Transgenic Animals for enhanced
Agricultural Productivity
Engineered to produce the
human antithrombin (for
blood clotting) in the milk.

Approved by FDA in 2009 for

medical use of goat’s milk as
source of Antithrombin
(marketed as Atryn)

First case of drugs for

human treatment derived
from animals.
Bioengineered Pharm Goats by GCT
Biotherapeutics, USA
Transgenic Animals for enhanced
Agricultural Productivity
Engineered to produce a
human lipase in the egg for
fatty acid breakdown

Approved by FDA in 2015 for

medical use, not for meat but
for egg production.

Followed the first case of

GM goat producing
medicine from animlas
intended for humans
“Kanuma” Chicken by Alexion
Pharmaceuticals, USA