For now – in a test tube
Gene editing will allow you to breed "hypoallergenic" cats
Representatives of the biotech company INBio from Virginia (USA) have found a way to overcome allergies to cats. They intend to apply CRISPR gene editing technology, reports The CRISPR Journal (Brackett et al., Evolutionary Biology and Gene Editing of Cat Allergen, Fel d 1).
Allergies are often associated with cat fur and dandruff. However, as previously shown by researchers, the main "culprit" of allergic reactions is the protein Fel d 1. It is contained in the saliva and tears of animals and gets on the fur. Scientists have noted that it causes about 90% of allergy cases.
The authors of the new scientific work concluded that with the help of CRISPR, it is possible to breed a hypoallergenic breed of cats that practically do not produce Fel d 1. They proved that it can be done "efficiently and safely".
Scientists analyzed the DNA of 50 domestic cats and found areas along two genes responsible for the production of Fel d 1. At the same time, the genome of pets was markedly different from the genome of eight species of their wild counterparts. According to the researchers, this suggests that the protein Fel d 1 does not play a significant role in the body of cats and can be removed without negative consequences.
The team tested CRISPR technology on cat cells to effectively destroy Fel d 1. The scientists concluded that this intervention does not appear to cause non-targeted changes in other areas.
"Fel d 1 is both a rational and viable candidate for gene removal, which can be of great benefit to people suffering from cat allergies by removing the main allergen in the source," the authors emphasized.
However, scientists noted that before the first "hypoallergenic" cats are bred, many more studies and experiments will need to be carried out.
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