Chapter Eight - Transgenic animals

Abstract

Transgenic technology permits the introduction of new and functional genes into the germ line. Varieties of vertebrate and invertebrate species are produced by this technology. Transgenic animals are widely exploited to study in vivo gene function as well as the model for human diseases. These animals are a powerful object to study the gene function and growth processes in higher organisms. Presently, a variety of methods are used to produce transgenic animals. Some widely used methods for transgenesis in animals include pronuclear microinjection, embryonic stem cell-mediated gene transfer, retrovirus mediated gene transfer, use of transposons, nuclear transfer, transfection of gametes, artificial chromosome-mediated gene transfer, and testis cell transplantation. Several types of transgenic animals such as transgenic sheep, birds, chickens, pigs, insects, etc., are successfully produced. Transgenic animals are produced for superior quality breed and increased product yield. They also contribute to human interests and welfare in several ways such as agriculture, food, disease models, medicine, drug development, industrial purposes, research, etc.