Germline Chimera in Genetic Engineering
Germline chimeras are organisms with genetically different cells in their reproductive cells (germline), resulting from genetic engineering techniques. Germline chimeras are created through methods such as gene editing, where modified cells are introduced into early-stage embryos or germ cells. Genetically modified cells incorporated into the germline can be passed on to offspring, resulting in heritable genetic modifications. Germline chimeras are valuable tools for studying gene function, disease mechanisms, and various therapies in animal models.
However, the creation of germline chimeras raises ethical concerns regarding safety, unintended consequences, and implications for future generations. Germline chimeras hold promise for advancing fields such as regenerative medicine, transgenesis, and disease modeling, but careful consideration of ethical and societal implications is essential.
Also Read: Genetic Linkage
Chimera – Genetics
Chimera genetics refers to an organism containing cells with different genetic compositions. In genetics, human chimeras are individuals with cells from two or more genetically distinct sources. Identification of chimerism in humans involves genetic testing of multiple tissues or cells to detect variations in DNA profiles.
Chimerism can occur naturally through processes like twinning or fusion of embryos, and artificially through procedures like organ transplantation or gene therapy. Chimerism has applications in various fields like forensics, transplantation, and reproductive medicine. In this article, we will study the meaning of chimera, its formation, chimera in humans and its identification in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Chimera – Genetics?
- What Causes Chimerism?
- Symbiotic Chimerism in Anglerfish
- Animal Chimera
- Human Chimera
- Germline Chimera in Genetic Engineering
- Chimera Diagnosis
- Advantages of Chimera
- Disadvantages of Chimerism