 Chinese scientists develop test-tube monkeys
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-09-12 07:43
Chinese scientists have developed test-tube monkeys, the first step toward creating genetically engineered simians, for research. Since monkeys' physique, genetic make-up and behavior are very close to human beings, they are often used in research to find cures for human diseases. Shanghai-based East China Normal University's scientists, led by Sun Qiang, developed seven macaques, and their findings were published in the August edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. All the seven monkeys, the oldest of which is 18 months, are healthy, Sun said. The aim of the government-funded program is to develop "genetically engineered monkeys for medical research". The team used some new technologies to stimulate the production of eggs in female monkeys, and to collect semen from males to fertilize the eggs, he said. It tried new methods of in-vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation, too. The techniques "can improve the pregnancy rate and live birth of healthy monkeys significantly", Sun said. This is an efficient way of building various transgenic primate disease models, he said. Of late, Chinese scientists have been trying to catch up with their Western counterparts' research into engineering of transgenic monkeys. US researchers developed the world's first genetically engineered monkey, Andi, in 2000. Such animals have been used in research to find treatments for Alzheimer's disease, AIDS and breast cancer. Xinhua (China Daily 09/12/2008 page1) |
