Transgenic Cows Produce Human Lactoferrin
Author Information
Author(s): Yang Penghua, Wang Jianwu, Gong Guochun, Sun Xiuzhu, Zhang Ran, Du Zhuo, Liu Ying, Li Rong, Ding Fangrong, Tang Bo, Dai Yunping, Li Ning
Primary Institution: State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University
Hypothesis
Can a novel procedure of transgenic cloning improve the production of functional human lactoferrin in cattle mammary bioreactors?
Conclusion
The study successfully produced transgenic cows that secrete high levels of functional human lactoferrin in their milk.
Supporting Evidence
- The transgenic cows produced human lactoferrin at concentrations of 2.5 g/l and 3.4 g/l.
- The integration efficiency of the BAC was significantly higher than traditional methods.
- Biochemical analysis showed that the recombinant human lactoferrin had similar properties to natural human lactoferrin.
- Microinjection was found to be an effective method for introducing large DNA fragments into cells.
Takeaway
Scientists created special cows that can make a protein found in human milk, which can help with health and nutrition.
Methodology
The researchers used microinjection of a bacterial artificial chromosome containing the human lactoferrin gene into bovine fibroblast cells, followed by somatic cell nuclear transfer to produce transgenic cattle.
Limitations
The study faced challenges with low transgenic efficiency and neonatal losses common in cloning.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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