Genetics
Rewriting nature Will gene editing mean the creation of ‘Frankenfoods’ or a new era in productive aquaculture?
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NE of the main arguments presented in favour of the UK’s exit from the European Union was that it would make it possible to diverge from EU regula�ons. A poten�ally far-reaching change is already under way in the field of gene�cs. The EU has been implacably opposed to any form of gene�c engineering in agriculture – in contrast to the US, where gene�cally modified organisms (GMOs) are commonplace in soya produc�on, for example. Now GMO technology is even being deployed in aquaculture, with AquaBounty Technologies’ GMO salmon about to enter full-scale commercial produc�on. The UK is not about to follow America’s lead and permit GMOs in agriculture, but there is interest in a different approach – gene edi�ng. Gene edi�ng involves inser�ng new DNA sequences, dele�ng exis�ng ones or modifying them in the genome of a living organism. Unlike GMOs, where a DNA from two completely different species could be combined, gene edi�ng does not result in any outcomes that could not be achieved through selec�ve breeding. It is, however, much quicker than selec�on and much more precise. For example, gene sequences with desirable traits from other individuals – such as fast growth rates or enhanced disease resistance – can be replicated. Alterna�vely, undesirable traits can be edited out. In early 2021, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
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(Defra) issued a consulta�on document on gene edi�ng. A summary of the consulta�on and the Government’s response was published in September last year, including an indica�on that relaxa�on of the regula�ons would begin in the less controversial area of gene edi�ng for plants rather than animals. On 20 January, the Government confirmed that legisla�on along these lines would be introduced. According to Jo Churchill, Minister for Agri-Innova�on and Climate Adapta�on: “New gene�c technologies could help us tackle some of the biggest challenges of our age – around food security, climate change and biodiversity loss. “Now we have the freedom and opportunity to foster innova�on, to improve the environment and help us grow plants that are stronger and more resilient to climate change. I am grateful to the
Above: Ross Houston Below: Gene edi�ng Opposite: Could the genes from Pacific salmon species be used to protect their Atlan�c cousins?
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07/02/2022 14:48:47
