Production of light-coloured, low heat-absorbing Holstein Friesian cattle by precise embryo-mediated genome editing

authored by

Jingwei Wei, Brigid Brophy, Sally Ann Cole, Shane Leath, Björn Oback, Jens Boch, David N. Wells, Götz Laible

Abstract

Context. Genome editing enables the introduction of beneficial sequence variants into the genomes of animals with high genetic merit in a single generation. This can be achieved by introducing variants into primary cells followed by producing a live animal from these cells by somatic cell nuclear transfer cloning. The latter step is associated with low efficiencies and developmental problems due to incorrect reprogramming of the donor cells, causing animal welfare concerns. Direct editing of fertilised one-cell embryos could circumvent this issue and might better integrate with genetic improvement strategies implemented by the industry. Methods. In vitro fertilised zygotes were injected with TALEN editors and repair template to introduce a known coat colour dilution mutation in the PMEL gene. Embryo biopsies of injected embryos were screened by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing for intended biallelic edits before transferring verified embryos into recipients for development to term. Calves were genotyped and their coats scanned with visible and hyperspectral cameras to assess thermal energy absorption. Key results. Multiple non-mosaic calves with precision edited genotypes were produced, including calves from high genetic merit parents. Compared to controls, the edited calves showed a strong coat colour dilution which was associated with lower thermal energy absorbance. Conclusions. Although biopsy screening was not absolutely accurate, non-mosaic, precisely edited calves can be readily produced by embryo-mediated editing. The lighter coat colouring caused by the PMEL mutation can lower radiative heat gain which might help to reduce heat stress. Implications. The study validates putative causative sequence variants to rapidly adapt grazing cattle to changing environmental conditions.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Plant Genetics

External Organisation(s)

AgResearch
University of Waikato
University of Auckland

Type

Review article

Journal

Reproduction, Fertility and Development

Volume

36

Pages

112-123

No. of pages

12

ISSN

1031-3613

Publication date

22.09.2023

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Medicine(all)

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1071/RD23163 (Access: Open)