Transgenic Biotechnology in Animals and its Medical Application: Review

Abstract

Genetically modified organisms are not really recent phenomena: thousands of years of selection have led to the domestication of many animal and plant species. However, with the modern methods of genetic engineering and biotechnology, it was possible to cross the interspecific barriers and create transgenic organisms with newly acquired properties. In this over view, we attempted to discuss different aspects of producing transgenic animals by microinjection procedure, use of transposons and use of intermediate cells like pluripotent cells, primordial germ cells and testis stem cells and somatic cell nuclear transfer. Typical medical application includes ;as a source of biologically active proteins, as donors in xenotransplantation, as disease models for the development of new treatments, antibody production in transgenic animals, blood replacement and for a research in cell and gene therapy. Despite having these applications, there are many pressing problems that need to be resolved for transgenic animal studies. Ethical considerations regarding animal biotechnology reveal that people are concerned about the purpose of the applications, the methods of research, long term impact on human health. Among the world’s largest religions, there are very few clear-cut taboos prohibiting animal biotechnology, although ethical implications can be drawn from the general role of animals within the religious tradition and from beliefs and practices that address animal care and use, animal breeding, and human diet. In conclusion, transgenic animals can resolve serious problems of human health. However, continuous researches are required to break suspects on using transgenic animals with the oversight of respective governments.

Keywords: Biomedicine, DNA Microinjection, Ethical Consideration, Genetic   Engineering, Xenotransplantation.