Transgenic organisms

Transgenic Organisms: Cancer-Resistant MouseBy: Kari Watts

What is a transgenic organism?

An organism whose genome has been improved by introduction of new DNA from a different organism.

How Does It Work?In this case, the gene Par-4 was

implanted into mouse eggs, then put in the surrogate mother. The mother had offspring, and the offspring expressed the gene. Par-4 causes cells to self-destruct when they are cancerous. It will not kill normal cells. This gene is expressed in all cell types.

What Does It Contribute To Science?

We can hopefully find a cure for all cancer types in humans.

A treatment for cancer in humans is possible.

This experiment could be vital to the development of safer treatments for cancer.

Advantages As of now, there are no harmful side

effects. The mice tested grew normally and lived

longer than mice without the gene. The gene is expressed in all cell types. Doesn’t kill normal cells; only cancer cells.

Disadvantages The gene could react differently in humans and potentially be harmful.

Ethical Concerns Messes with nature. Could cause stress for the mouse.

Future ImplicationIn the future, the Par-4 molecule

could be transplanted through the bone marrow of humans. Par-4 could potentially be used to fight cancer instead of using chemotherapy or radiation therapy.