Scientists from University Of Georgia create world’s first gene-edited lizards|2019|Sciberr

The researchers from University of Georgia under the supervision of geneticist Douglas Menke have become the first in the world to successfully produce a genetically modified reptile—specifically, four albino lizards—using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool. The news started spreading online since March 31 and the results for the experiments have been submitted for review.





The albino lizards/ Brown Anoles were chosen for the experiment

because they correspond to Darwin’s famous Galapagos finches in the reptilian kingdom.T

he lizards are widely distributed throughout the islands of the Caribbean, with unique/different traits arising among each island’s relatively isolated population. For instance, Leg size is highly variable among different species of anoles.The ground-dwelling species possess big and strong legs adapted to running and leaping, while their tree-dwelling cousins have smaller legs. The lizards used in this experiment were all collected from the wild in an area near Orlando, Florida.

The CRISPR method uses gene manipulation

which commony includes injecting gene-editing solutions into an animal’s newly fertilized egg or single-cell embryo, causing a mutation in the DNA that is reproduced in all subsequent cells. The main concern in this method is the ability of the female reptiles can store sperm in their oviducts for long periods, which makes it a daunting task to point out the exact time of fertilization.





The main gene which was targeted in this whole series of experiments was tyrosinase gene.146 oocytes were successfully injected from 21 lizards and within a short period of time the offsprings started showing the trait of albinism, thus confirming the inactivation of tyrosinase gene.

The study conducted on brown anoles might also prove helpful to human genetics as well in future.The tyrosinase gene plays an important role in the development of eyes in humans. But these genes are actually absent in mice, so its still difficult to find a suitable animal model for the research. If scientists find out the correct animal model then this might prove helpful in the human health.

























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