Recent breakthroughs in biological research have paved the way for an innovative approach to study human cells and disease progression. Scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in the U.S. have made a seminal discovery, as they succeeded in growing human cells within monkey embryos – a study known as Chimera Research. This significant achievement opens up multiple avenues for understanding human development, evaluating drug efficacy, and addressing the critical need for organ transplantation.
Understanding Chimeras and Their Role in Research
Chimeras are organisms formed from the cells of two distinct species, in this case, humans and monkeys. By integrating human cells into macaque monkey embryos, researchers have created a chimeric tool that could potentially change the face of medical research and treatment. This integration provides a new platform to study the course of disease progression by engineering human cells with specific genes linked to certain diseases and observing their behavior in the chimeric model.
The Reason for Choosing Macaque Monkeys
The decision to utilize macaque monkeys as opposed to other species is rooted in a previous failed attempt. In 2017, researchers integrated human cells into pig tissues due to their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. However, the wide evolutionary gap (around 90 million years) between pigs and humans led to the experiment’s failure. Consequently, researchers chose a species more closely related to humans – the macaque monkeys.
Hybrid Animals: Unnatural Creation & Survival Challenges
While some hybrid animals occur naturally due to unintentional cross-breeding, most don’t survive long and are prone to infertility. Examples include the Geep (a cross between a goat and sheep) and mules (the offspring of a female horse and a male donkey). Besides, these hybrids often can’t produce their offspring, posing significant challenges for their survival.
Ethical Concerns and Questions of Fairness
Despite the potential benefits, this groundbreaking research has sparked concerns about the ethics of exploiting animals for human gain. Critics argue that chimera research might intensify injustice against animals and question the morality of using part-human animals to fulfill human needs.
Regulation of Hybrid Animals and Genetically Modified Organisms
In India, the creation of hybrid animals has been prohibited since 1985. The country regulates Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and their products under specific rules notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These safety and regulatory measures are vigilantly managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Department of Biotechnology, and State Governments through several competent authorities.
The Future of Genetic Modification and Chimera Studies
Despite the exciting possibilities genetic modification and chimera studies unlock, they remain contentious issues, especially in developing nations like India. The idea of tampering with the genetic code in humans is even more controversial, as such alterations could potentially be passed down to future generations. Therefore, it’s essential to proceed cautiously and ethically in these areas of research, giving due consideration to the broader implications on animal welfare and human health.
