Infertile hens have been used to carry eggs containing other breeds, in a development using gene editing. Image Hens that cannot produce their own chicks have successfully acted as surrogates for rare chicken breeds. The advance, led by the Roslin Institute, could help to boost breeding of endangered birds and improve production of commercial hens. Deleting DNA Scientists used gene-editing techniques to inject specialised stem cells – called primordial germ cells – from another chicken breed into the eggs from the surrogate chickens. The adult hens then produced eggs containing all of the genetic information from the other chicken breed. Researchers used a genetic tool they had previously developed, known as TALEN, to delete a section of chicken DNA. The researchers targeted part of a gene called DDX4, which is crucial for bird fertility. Hens with the genetic modification were unable to produce eggs but were otherwise healthy, the team found. Essential gene DDX4 plays an essential role in the generation of primordial germ cells, which gives rise to eggs. The surrogate chickens were the first gene-edited birds to be produced in Europe. Experts say the cells could potentially be used to help breed birds of other closely related species, as long as a supply of primordial germ cells is available from a donor bird. The study, which involved scientists from poultry genetics company Cobb-Vantress, is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. It was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Innovate UK, Horizon 2020 and Cobb-Vantress. New ideas are needed if we are to save many of our bird species. These chickens are a first step in saving and protecting rare poultry breeds from loss and preserving future biodiversity of our poultry from environmental and climate changes. Dr Mike McGrewRoslin Institute Related links Gene-edited chicken cells resist bird flu virus Video: Tools for genetic gains of breeding programs Genetic selection and editing could improve animal fitness About the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than eight hundred staff and almost fourteen hundred students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security The Roslin Innovation Centre The Hospital for Small Animals Equine Veterinary Services Farm Animal Services Easter Bush Pathology The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education We represent the largest concentration of animal science related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Publication date 02 Oct, 2019
