Azernews.Az

By Alimat Aliyeva

Scientists at Kindred Companion Sciences have created two beagles using CRISPR gene-editing technology that appear to no longer produce the main allergen associated with dogs., AzerNEWS reports.

Researchers modified the gene responsible for producing Can f 1, a protein considered one of the primary causes of allergic reactions to dogs. According to the company, the edited beagles do not produce this protein, which could potentially reduce allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to dogs.

Matt Walker, a geneticist and CEO of Kindred Companion Sciences, who has experienced dog allergies since childhood, said that he has been living with one of the modified dogs for more than a year without experiencing allergic symptoms. He explained that CRISPR technology allows scientists to make precise changes to DNA instead of waiting for rare natural mutations to occur.

However, experts warn that the technology does not mean dog allergies have been completely eliminated. Jeff Sorell, a pathologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, noted that Can f 1 is only one of several dog allergens. Some people may still react to other proteins produced by dogs, which were not affected by the genetic modification.

Kindred Companion Sciences says that commercial use of this technology is still far in the future. Scientists plan to continue monitoring the beagles throughout their lives to study their long-term health, development, and the safety of genetic editing.

If successful, this research could open new possibilities for people with severe pet allergies, allowing them to live more comfortably with animals in the future. At the same time, scientists emphasize that careful testing and ethical considerations will be essential before genetically modified pets become widely available.