Precision Gene Editing Paves Way for Transgenic Monkeys

As highlighted in a recent article published in Scientific American, scientists have made great strides in creating monkeys that are genetically engineered with human mutations. As opposed to the more commonly used lab mice, transgenic monkeys are predicted to have the ability to more closely mimic human genetic conditions than other lab animals. Furthermore, these monkeys are more beneficial because some diseases cannot be fully replicated in other lab animals. Scientists are hopeful that these transgenic monkeys can be used to recreate and find more effective treatments for human diseases such as Alzheimer’s and autism. A geneticist at Emory University, Anthony Chan, created the first five transgenic monkeys that were genetically engineered with the human mutation for Huntington’s disease. Unfortunately, three out of the five monkeys that were given the disease swiftly developed extreme symptom’s of the disease and had to be killed within the first month of their creation. 

Monkeys have recently been found to more closely mimic human diseases than other lab animals. 

Scientists, specifically geneticists, throughout the world are currently developing techniques to edit genomes through used RNA and enzymes as opposed to viruses, which is arguably much more dangerous. Although there are many benefits to utilizing transgenic monkeys as opposed to other transgenic animals, there are some drawbacks when it comes to an experimental laboratory viewpoint. Compared to mice who quickly reach sexual maturity and are able to produce large litters, monkeys take at least fifteen months to reach sexual maturity and carry their offspring for five months. Monkeys also do not produce large litters, they typically give birth to no more than two offspring. 


Although there are some negative aspects of using transgenic monkeys, I believe that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. These monkeys offer hope for cures for such common and incurable diseases. It is exciting to think that there will be a possible cure for Alzheimer’s and autism; these two diseases have become more and more common in our population. Genetically engineered primates could be the key to unlocking cures for those diseases that are capable of affecting our friends, families, and even ourselves. It is fascinating to see how work in the field of genetics can completely change how we diagnose and treat terminal illnesses.


Methods for creating transgenic animals