Author
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WALL, ROBERT |
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Submitted to: Beltsville Agricultural Research Center Symposium
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 7/28/1995 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Amidst the explosion of fundamental knowledge generated from transgenic animal models, a small group of scientists have been producing transgenic livestock to test the feasibility of improving animal production efficiency and generating new products. Modifying the genetic control of mammary glands provides an opportunity to pursue several distinctly different goal. The objective of the emerging "Gene Pharming" industry is to produce drugs for treating human diseases. It is argued that mammary glands are an ideal site for producing complex bioactive proteins that can be harvested and purified in a cost effective manner. Several products produced in this way are approaching clinical trials. A second strategy, which has been widely discussed, but has received less attention in the laboratory, focuses on altering the ratio of endogenous milk proteins to improve the nutritional quality of milk and reduce processing costs of dairy products. Proposals include increasing protein, decreasing fat, altering physical properties and "humanizing" milk. The potential profitability of "Gene Pharming" seems clear, however cost-benefits of genetically engineered dairy products will remain marginal until inefficiencies of transgenic technology such as low gene integration rates, poor embryo survival and unpredictable transgene behavior are overcome. |
