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Source: Jordan Lennon WRPRC

A mother Rhesus monkey cradles one of the genetically altered baby monkeys.

The purpose of producing these hybrid monkeys is to develop a better understanding of genetic diseases in humans. The monkeys are used as models in determining which genes can cause or cure diseases.3 The jellyfish gene was chosen because it creates a protein that glows green and enables scientists to confirm whether or not the gene is active within the host cell. This experiment, which creates a marker or, "reporter," gene, was performed in order to investigate the practicality of inserting a foreign gene into a non-human primate, as well as studying the interaction of this gene with both the mother and the fetus. The success of this gene transfer will accelerate the development of genetic engineering techniques such as inserting disease-causing genes into monkeys. Scientists could then analyze the effects of these diseases with hopes of creating possible cures.

Rhesus monkeys were chosen for these studies because their genome and physiology are very similar to those of humans. Rhesus monkeys are close relatives to humans (DNA differs by just over 1%), and the use of these animals will provide more applicable data and understanding of human diseases. In the past, only mice, sheep and bacteria were genetically engineered - mice being the most commonly used for this type of transgenic research.1

Scientists at the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center (OPRC) were the first to genetically modify a primate in January of 2001.4 The researchers were successful in engineering the birth of three rhesus monkey infants with a transplanted jellyfish gene. Only one of the three monkeys survived and was named ANDi (backwards for "inserted DNA"). The difference between ANDi and the two UW-Madison monkeys is that the foreign jellyfish gene wasn't active in ANDi. The gene in the UW-Madison monkeys is active and able to function the way it would in a jellyfish. This is significant because it is essential for the mutated gene to be active in transplant experiments.

Source: Jordan Lennon WRPRC

Above are Early (A) and Late (B) stages in the modified embryo's development.

The two UW-Madison monkeys were born with the active gene in their placental cells.2 The role of the placenta is to supply nourishment to the fetus during pregnancy. Thus, this experiment is geared towards developing ways to explore problems or defects associated with human reproduction. Problems with the placenta are believed to cause infertility and miscarriages.3 The way the placenta functions is still somewhat unclear to scientists, and these new transgenic placentas will be valuable in future research related to pregnancy issues.

Using monkeys as human disease models poses a question of ethics. These experiments also pose the risk of permanently altering the gene pools of rhesus monkeys. Many animal rights interest groups, including the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV), are strongly opposed to using these monkeys for scientific research. BUAV spokeswoman Wendy Higgins states, "It's bad enough using rodents, but for scientists to play God with primate genes is morally abhorrent."1 On the other hand, scientists explain that these experiments are going to be monitored very closely and that a major priority will be to ensure the well being of the animals. Professor Gerald Schatten of the OPRC claims that the number of monkeys used in this type of research will be minimal. Schatten further says, "Our goal isn't to make sick monkeys. Our goal is to eradicate diseases."1

UW-Madison researchers have brought us one step closer to curing many devastating human diseases. Although the two genetically modified monkeys provide insight into the health of the placenta, many other human diseases are going to be explored through this type of experimentation. In the future, diseases such as Alzheimer's and cystic fibrosis could possibly be eradicated through genetic engineering. For now, we'll just have to put up with a couple playful, glowing monkeys.

Author Bio: Eric Vieth is a junior majoring in Civil Engineering. Eric will be studying abroad for the spring semester in Brisbane, Australia. He'll stay there as long as the surf is up or until the women want him to leave. He could be there a long time.

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