Today, I found an article I found slightly unusual in news.yahoo.com. Scientist are using florescent cats in order to find out if a certain gene therapy works fighting against the feline version of AIDS known as FIV.
Scientist are continuing the search to find a cure for AIDS. By genetically altering cats, they hope to find a cure. Scientist altered two different genes and inserted them into cat egg cells. The two genes used in this procedure was an antiviral gene and the other was one that produces a florescent proteins. The result from the protein was what made florescent cats.
Initially, my response was curiosity. With further evaluation, I reflected in amazement on what the possibilities could be if this type of genetic engineering proves to be effective and what the implication could be for the future. It amazes me on how far we have come with medical research.
I found it very interesting that scientists decided to use the same gene that was found in a jellyfish was put it inside of a gene for a cat in order to make the cells glow. The scientist chose this green glowing gene so they could keep better track of the genetically engineered genes verses the FIV virus. According to the article the scientist have had encouraging results. The cat that were born with genetically altered cells had a reduced replication of the feline version of the AIDS virus when injected with the virus.
It is astonishing to think that this may be a step closer to finding a cure for AIDS not only in human but in cats too.
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