Global advances in genomic editing in pig breeding

Abstract

An overview of the main world advances in editing the pig genome using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, in particular the modification of the genes (MSTN, IGF2, ZBED6, UCP1, LGALS12, APOE, vWF) to improve productivity and economic properties as well as the disease resistance genes (APN, CD163, SRCR5, RSAD2) in pigs is presented. It is of great interest to study the experience of using this innovative tool to produce pigs with specified traits. The development of molecular genetic research and the discovery of gene-phenotype relationships has provided the platform needed to modify specific genes to significantly shorten the reproductive cycles and improve the efficiency of pig breeding. The relatively recent CRISP/Cas9 system has already found use in many advanced fields of research, but its application is limited in the challenges of pig breeding, including the production of transgenic pigs. It is due to the fact that there are ethical and regulatory issues associated with genetically-edited products and the potential non-target effects of CRISPR/Cas9 that need to be investigated. Genomic editing technology is actively developing worldwide. Russia is implementing the 2019-2027 genetic technology development program. The main goal of the program is to comprehensively address the problems of accelerated development of genetic technologies, including genetic editing technologies. Obtaining results through genomic editing of farm animal lines with new, improved properties is one of the program’s target indicators. CRISPR/Cas9 can be used to improve pig performance characteristics such as resistance to disease, thermoregulation, improved meat yield and quality.