First draft_Life as a genetic commodity

docx

School

University of Maryland, University College *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

640

Subject

Biology

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by AmbassadorJayPerson232

1 Introduction Genetic engineering also known as genetic modification is playing a major part in the progress of biotechnology with both benefits and risks being a part of the equation. This technique has raised concerns related to the commodification of living organisms or sometimes parts of them, including microorganisms, animals, birds, and even humans. But to what extent can commodity as a concept be compatible with the value of life in its various forms? Genetic studies have been fundamental to biomedical research with the attempt to understand the source of diseases and what can be done in advance to prevent, treat, and cure them. Because animal approaches increasingly appear to be of poor human relevance due to the genetic differences that make species dissimilar and unique, some scientists have modified genes in animals used in experiments in an attempt to overcome these differences and make them more relevant to human biology (Bailey, 2019). Genetic engineering of animals has been embraced in research and continues to increase significantly in biotechnology. Compared to the early stages of genetic engineering where only the transgenesis technology was used to transfer genetic material from one organism to another and advancement in the field with new technology continues to emerge and has surpassed the use of transgenesis. Scientists can now isolate a gene of interest from an organism and transform it into another organism where it is replicated and expressed. This transformation of the recombinant DNA molecule can be duplicated through transfer into a host cell like a bacteria or yeast to culture genetically engineered organism. These techniques have enabled scientists to reproduce genes and have them expressed in living organism of choice to produce the desirable product (Kumar, 2019). Benefits of genetic engineering Genetic engineering is one of the most promising, challenging, and upcoming field in the biotechnology industry with great advancement in recent years and new application and technologies that continue to emerge paving way toward advanced biotechnological processes. On the other hand, there are several social consequences associated with genetic engineering, that makes it difficult to convince people about the overall benefit associated with the process. There are many benefits associated with genetic engineering such as treating genetic disorders and cancer with future projection to help with creation of new types of human beings, that are highly repelled by many (Kass, 2001). Genetic engineering is also being tested as means for improving resistance to diseases and parasites on domestic animals and hence scientists are working on producing cattle resistant to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) (Eenennaam, 2006).

2 Cloning and gene editing through deletion, modification, and replacement of DNA in the genome as well as insertion of foreign genes, and knock-out of genes are some of the techniques used in genetic engineering. It is through cloning and some of the techniques being implemented in genetic engineering of animals that have made it possible to complete the human genome project. Despite challenges in cloning of wild animals, genetic engineering through cloning have also enabled the sustainability of endangered species and creation of designer companion animals (Ormandy et al., 2011). These techniques have enabled researchers to accelerate the rate at which they develop new drugs and treatments to target several diseases as well as better understanding of DNA and its role in medicine, pharmacology, reproductive technology among other fields Uses of genetically engineered animals Biomedical applications of genetically engineered animals are important for understanding the functions of genes and modeling of human disease to understand disease mechanisms which further allows the development of drug therapies as well as treatment. Recent advanced technologies have allowed for the creation of genetically engineered animals for human disease models through deletion or manipulation of genes that are already present in animal as well as insertion, or substitution of their DNA. It is through these mutations of genes that scientists can determine the functions of these genes by observing the biological systems that are affected even if they do not show the obvious effects, they may produce different phenotypes that can be used to understand the functions of the affected genes. Animal models of human diseases are valuable resources for understanding how and why a particular disease develops, and what can be done to halt or reverse the process (Ormandy et al., 2011). The use of genetically engineered animals for drug discovery, drug development, and risk assessment has also increased within the pharmaceutical industry. As illustrated by Rudmann and Durham (1999), “Transgenic and knock out mouse models are extremely useful in drug discovery, especially when defining potential therapeutic targets for modifying immune and inflammatory responses…Specific areas for which [genetically engineered animal models] may be useful are in screening for drug induced immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity, and in understanding toxicity related drug metabolizing enzyme systems” (Rudmann & Durham, 1999). As a result, efforts have been made to develop new genetically engineered animal models to demonstrate treatment therapies for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, as well as cancer (Ormandy et al., 2011). Genetically engineered animals are also important for various uses such as companion, among other uses for scientific research. For example, hypoallergenic cats are developed by deleting the gene that codes for the major cat allergen. Genetically engineered pet industry is upcoming and remains feasible

3 that these pets could become part of day-to-day life for practicing veterinarians. There is evidence that people are interested and have started enquiring about genetic engineering services, in particular the cloning of deceased pets (Ormandy et al., 2011). In addition, farm animals have been genetically engineered to enhance improved productivity, food quality and ability to resist diseases as well as environmental sustainability. For example, goats have been genetically engineered to express human lysozyme in their milk whereas Enviropig have been genetically engineered to produce an enzyme that breaks down dietary phosphorus. Such advances may add to the nutritional value of animal-based products as well as limit the amount of phosphorus produced in the manure (Ormandy et al., 2011). Ethical issues and concerns Genetic engineering not only raises ethical issues concerning human health, but also the wisdom associated with genetic manipulation of plants, animals, and humans. The proposed goal is to identify sources of diseases, promote health and develop treatment such as vaccines for use with upcoming diseases. But with the development of genetic engineering techniques and the sequencing of the genomes of plants, animals and humans, the scope of possible public health interventions has increased dramatically hence leading to a threats to public health (Robert &Baylis, 2008). Even though there are principles such as the 3R’s that govern the welfare of the animals as well as committees that ensure animal safety, there is still more concerns on the welfare of the animals. The number of research projects proposed and using genetically engineered animals has tremendously increased in the last few years. The most controversial use of genetically modified animal is the introduction of the disease to the animal in testing through implantation of cells, tissues such as tumor or other organisms and then trying to treat them. It is important to ensure that the animals are well taken care of even post experiment. There are also concerns on the number of animals used to satisfy or make an experiment successful. For example, in embryonic stem cell implant, only a small proportion of surviving embryo carry the genetic alteration of interest and hence, a large number of animals are produced to obtain the modification of scientific value and term the experiment successful and so that contradicts the efforts to minimize use of animals (Ormandy et al., 2011). In addition to increased interest in genetic engineering, biosafety and biosecurity issues are becoming a concern in ensuring the safety of the public and the environment. For that reason, many countries have established regulatory policies and bodies for research and development of genetically modified organisms in order to cope with the high demand (Kumar, 2019). On the other hand, vegetarians are concerned about introducing genes from animals to plants through genetic engineering (Kumar, 2019).

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

4 Conclusion This technology has opened doors to new studies and successful inventories as well as ethical issues, some of which relate to the welfare of the animal as stated and according to the World Organization for Animal Health. This are issues that should be considered by all parties involved in the gene modification of the animals including the veterinarians, to ensure that all parties are aware of the ethical issues at stake and can make a valid contribution to the current debate regarding the creation and use of genetically engineered animals (Ormandy et al., 2011). The potential risks of increasing genetically modified organisms and products may contribute to human health, environmental concerns as well as ethical issues. However, like any other powerful technology, genetic engineering also requires to be handled with utmost care and safety in order to avoid instances such as bioterrorism. With the increasing applications of genetic engineering in almost all the areas of human endeavors, there is a crucial need to ensure that the technology is used with a lot of precaution and control (Kumar, 2019). Even though there are ethical issues associated with genetic engineering, there are some success stories of that have actually improved the quality of life. This includes the development of drugs in microorganisms as well as use of plants and animals as bioreactors for producing enzymes and chemicals for industrial uses, production of biodegradable plastics, biosensors, superbug among other benefits in diminishing some of the environmental problems (Kumar, 2019). If genetic engineering technique is used with caution, and if integrated with other upcoming technologies, it may provide tremendous opportunities in development in other areas that would be beneficial to all humans, animals, and environment. Reference

5 Ormandy, E. H., Dale, J., & Griffin, G. (2011, May). Genetic engineering of animals: ethical issues, including welfare concerns. The Canadian veterinary journal , 52 (5), 544–550. PMID: 22043080; PMCID: PMC3078015. Bailey, J. (2019). Genetic Modification of Animals: Scientific and Ethical Issues. In K. Herrmann & K. Jayne (Eds.), Animal Experimentation: Working Towards a Paradigm Change (Vol. 22, pp. 443–479). Brill. http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1163/j.ctvjhzq0f.26 Rudmann, D.G. & Durham, S.K. (1999, January 1). Utilization of Genetically Altered Animals in the Pharmaceutical Industry. Toxicologic Pathology, 27(1), 111–114. https://doi.org/10.1177/019262339902700121 Eenennaam, A.L. (2006, January). Genetic engineering and animal agriculture. Genetic engineering fact sheet 7. ANR publication 8184, 1-4. ISBB 978-1-60107-334-1. Kass, L.R. (2001, May 21). Preventing a brave new world: why we should ban human cloning now. The new republic 224 (21), 30-39. PMID: 11794303, ISSN: 0028-6583. Kumar, S. (2019, September). Biosafety and ethical issues in genetic engineering research. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335798051 Robert, J.S. & Baylis, F. (2008). Genetic Engineering. International encyclopedia of public health. Academic Press, 35-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-012373960-5.00133-7 .