UC Davis has been selected to receive a substantial grant for their groundbreaking proposal focused on Intentional Genomic Alterations (IGAs) in major livestock species. This initiative aims to advance the use of gene editing technologies in food animals, with a particular focus on pigs, sheep, and cattle. The UC Davis Intentional Genomic Alteration Innovation Center will be at the forefront of this research, working to support science-based regulations that ensure the safety of gene-edited animals for human consumption.
The $5 million, five-year collaboration with the FDA is part of a broader initiative by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine to protect both human and animal health. This grant will enable UC Davis to address key regulatory questions about gene editing, exploring how it can enhance animal health and productivity while ensuring human safety and promoting sustainable agriculture. The grant will also allow the university to conduct research more efficiently, as noted by distinguished professor Dr. Trish Berger.
The UC Davis team, led by Dr. Elizabeth Maga, a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences, includes associate professor Anna Denicol, distinguished professor Dr. Trish Berger, and animal geneticist and cooperative extension specialist Alison Van Eenennaam. Their collective expertise will be instrumental in driving this research forward. Dr. Maga expressed enthusiasm about the grant, stating, “We want to move the world of gene editing forward, and this grant will certainly help us to do that.”
Gene editing in agriculture involves making precise changes to the DNA of plants or animals to improve desirable traits. This technology holds promise for creating livestock that are more resistant to diseases, reducing the reliance on antibiotics, and supporting environmental sustainability. Dr. Maga highlighted the significance of this technology, saying, “This is one of the tools in the toolbox for farmers to improve their animals to better supply food to a growing population.”
The UC Davis team has set three main research goals. The first is to establish a benchmark for assessing gene editing specificity, helping to distinguish between natural genetic variation and any unintended edits. The second goal is to measure the durability of gene editing across generations, different traits, and livestock species. The third goal is to adapt and enhance gene editing technologies used in humans and lab animals for biomedical purposes, applying them to livestock traits.
The implications of this research are vast. If successful, the findings could pave the way for the widespread use of gene-edited animals in agriculture, addressing issues related to animal welfare, productivity, and environmental impact. The collaboration with other institutions, including Kansas State University, University of Arkansas, and University of Wisconsin-Madison, further strengthens the initiative, ensuring a comprehensive approach to gene editing in livestock.
The involvement of graduate students and interns at UC Davis underscores the university’s commitment to fostering the next generation of scientists in this cutting-edge field. Dr. Maga, who has been working in gene editing and genetic engineering for over 24 years, expressed excitement about the grant, seeing it as a significant step towards addressing critical issues in agricultural production.
