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A group of scientists from the biotech company InBio, Texas A&M University and the University of Michigan have made significant progress in developing hypoallergenic cats using genetic editing, gazeta.ru reports with reference to PNAS Nexus.
The team focused on the genes CH1 and CH2, which are responsible for the production of the allergen Fel d 1, which is produced in various glands in cats. The scientists conducted a large-scale comparison of the genetic sequences of more than 276 domestic and wild cats, including pumas, cheetahs, lions, tigers and jaguars.
An intriguing discovery is that the function of the Fel d 1 protein remains unclear. It is thought to be involved in immune regulation, skin protection, or interspecies communication. At the same time, genetically modified cats without the CH2 gene appear completely healthy.
Of particular interest were findings in the puma and black-footed cat from South Africa, which were found to have mutations that prevent the allergen from being produced, further supporting the hypothesis that Fel d 1 may not play a critical role in cats.
Using CRISPR gene editing technology, scientists hope to create cats that will not cause allergic reactions in humans.