
Humans are always striving to improve things, including matters pertaining to health. At one time, PETA wanted us to consider the advantages of using human breast milk. Now, scientists in Russia and the Netherlands are hoping to use transgenic proteins from the milk of rabbits and mice for what they claim are potentially lifesaving drugs for humans.
Transgenic Organisms: A Primer
Transgenic organisms and animals are considered to be a subset of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). These terms refer to organisms that are inserted with DNA that originated in a different species. Transgenic animals are often used for biomedical research in regards to creating human drugs or hormones, such as insulin.
Mice and Lactoferrin
In Russia, an experimental farm is working with mice to produce the human breast milk protein, lactoferrin. This particular protein protects babies from viruses and bacteria while their immune systems are still developing.
Typically, breastfeeding mothers produce 4 to 5 grams (0.1 to 0.2 ounces) of lactoferrin per liter of milk. Mouse milk is naturally rich in protein. So, when used transgenically, it can translate into high concentrations of lactoferrin – up to 160 grams (6 oz) per liter.
To milk such small creatures, a team of researchers had to anesthetize the mice and use specially-adapted pumps that were created to fit their tiny teats. Patrick van Berkel, a senior director at Danish biotech company, Genmab, believes that commercially producing mouse milk would be a "logistic and technical nightmare." "Larger animals such as rabbits, goats, or cows are required for commercial application," he said.
Rabbits and C1 Inhibitor Protein
Rabbits are also being eyed as a useful transgenic animal. Researchers at Pharming, a Dutch biotechnology firm, say they're ready to begin commercially milking rabbits, pending authorization from European authorities.
Pharming has been experimenting with milking rabbits for years. They've outfitted the animals with a human gene that produces the protein known as C1 inhibitor. C1 inhibitor deficiency is associated with hereditary angioedema, which causes swelling due to leakage of fluid from blood vessels into connective body tissue. Human C1 inhibitor proteins can also be obtained through blood donations, but Pharming claims that their method is best, as there would be no safety issues in terms of blood viruses.
According to a Pharming spokesperson, Marjolein can Helmond, rabbits can average up to 120 millimeters of milk a day. When modified with the protein, the rabbits' milk contains up to 12 grams of C1 inhibitor per liter. The rabbits, like the rats, are milked with miniature pumping machines that attach to the female's teats.
From their research, Pharming has developed a drug called Rhucin from the rabbit-milk produced C1 inhibitor protein. In September 2009, the company submitted Rhucin for market approval to the European Medicines Agency, which evaluates drug safety. Pending approval, Pharming would begin milking a herd of about a thousand rabbits.
Thoughts
I've covered different aspects of genetics in this blog for some time now, but sometimes I'm not sure where to stand. While using transgenic animals to help humans is good, I can't help but think that our species has survived long enough without these seemingly-drastic measures. Or, are we surviving longer because of methods like this – ones that are common now, but may have been objectionable at first? I'm interested in what the CR4 community thinks, so please share your thoughts in the comments section.
Resources:
https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/06/090602-mice-milk-baby-formula.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C1-inhibitor
https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/12/091201-rabbits-milk-human-protein-drug.html
Related Posts:
Human Breast Milk in Your Ice Cream
Human-Animal Hybrids
Designer Lifestyles and Genetic Engineering
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