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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Genetically modified cow produces allergy-free milk


GM cow produces allergy-free milk

Published: Oct. 2, 2012 at 12:20 AM

HAMILTON, New Zealand, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Researchers in New Zealand say they have genetically engineered a cow to produce milk free of a protein that causes allergies in children.

The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used a technique known as RNA interference to block the production of the protein beta-lactoglobulin, which is produced in cows but not found in human milk.

Study co-author Dr. Stefan Wagner of AgResearch in New Zealand completely knocked out beta-lactoglobulin by using a "designer microRNA" or short ribonucleic acid molecules, to target the protein, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

Wagner and the team developed a mouse model that could produce milk containing beta-lactoglobulin and exposed the mouse to the designer microRNA to knock out the protein -- resulting in a 96 percent reduction in beta-lactoglobulin.

The research team then turned its attention toward cloning a calf with the same anti-beta-lactoglobulin trait by transferring 57 cloned embryos into cows.

The team then hormonally induced the cow to lactate, and analysis of the milk showed no detectable levels of beta-lactoglobulin, the study said.

The effort targeted the 2 percent to 3 percent of infants in the developed world who are allergic to cows' milk proteins.


Read more: http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2012/10/02/GM-cow-produces-allergy-free-milk/UPI-49151349151633/#ixzz287BQNFpB



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