Scientists have produced the world’s first genetically modified dogs designed to help people with severe dog allergies live with a pet without experiencing allergic reactions.
Researchers used the gene-editing technology CRISPR to delete the gene responsible for producing Can F 1, which is considered the most significant source of dog allergies.
The project involved geneticists including scientist Matt Walker, who has a severe dog allergy. Because of his allergies, Walker had never been able to live with his family pet. That changed when he received Bailey, the first genetically modified dog produced through the project.
Walker now lives with Bailey and has reported that he does not experience the severe allergic reactions he previously experienced when living around dogs.
To create the dogs, geneticists first edited reproductive cells from a female beagle so that she would no longer produce Can F 1. The edited reproductive cells were then combined to create an embryo. After the embryo was implanted in the female dog’s uterus, the beagles were cloned.
Following their birth, both beagles underwent health testing. Researchers found that both dogs appeared healthy and showed no signs of physical abnormalities. The study also found no evidence of unintended mutations.
The development could offer hope to people around the world who would like to own or care for dogs but cannot do so because of severe allergies.
Geneticists are also hopeful that the process used to create the genetically engineered dogs could eventually help produce service dogs that do not trigger allergic reactions.
However, these genetically engineered dogs will not be available to everyone immediately. More research will be needed to determine whether the effects of the gene edits remain stable throughout the animals’ lives and whether similar results can be achieved in other dog breeds.
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