By 42058814
Researchers at the Case Western Reserve University in Ohio have bred a lineage of ‘supermice’. The study originally was designed to determine the role of the enzyme PEPCK-C in metabolism of skeletal muscle cells by comparing the metabolic effects of transgenic mice that overexpress the enzyme. Initially no immediate effects were observed after introducing the gene to the mouse germ line, consequently expressing a phenotype of 1.5-3 units PEPCK-C/g in the muscle cells. However breeding two of these mice to increase enzyme activity produced a lineage of mice that were noticeably different from two weeks old. These were referred to as PEPCK-Cmus mice and exhibited extreme hyperactivity; 7-10 times that of a normal mouse. This was shown to be directly proportional to the high concentration of triglycerides in the skeletal muscle cells. The PEPCK-Cmus mice were smaller than control mice but ate almost twice as much and were able to run continuously for 5km at 20m/min (apparently equivalent of a man cycling up an alpine mountain at speed). Though further studies are required the evidence also strongly suggested that the longevity of PEPCK-Cmus increased by almost two years (lab mice commonly live to three years) and the mice could also continue breeding at up to three times the normal age. As well as eating more the mice (especially males) displayed greatly increased aggression.
Though the direct application of this genetic advancement to humans is currently impossible the research no doubt provides the future possibility of similar genetic enhancement. The application of such enhancement allowing continuous strenuous exercise with minimal formation of lactic acid would be of considerable interest to professional athletes as well as potential biomedical uses. Of course many serious ethical, social and legal implications arise from such a proposal and despite increasing use the application of genetic engineering and enhancement remains highly controversial. The side-effects displayed by the PEPCK-Cmus mice in study also warrant closer investigation before any human application is considered. What would be the effects of increased consumption and aggression to an already over populated world plagued with violence?
References
Hanson, RW., Harkimi, P.(2008). Born to run; the story of the PEPCK-Cmus mouse. Science Direct, 90: 6, 838-842.
Available Online:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VRJ-4S6GH1M-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=d101f9c783311ed216d6200028bb287e
Though the direct application of this genetic advancement to humans is currently impossible the research no doubt provides the future possibility of similar genetic enhancement. The application of such enhancement allowing continuous strenuous exercise with minimal formation of lactic acid would be of considerable interest to professional athletes as well as potential biomedical uses. Of course many serious ethical, social and legal implications arise from such a proposal and despite increasing use the application of genetic engineering and enhancement remains highly controversial. The side-effects displayed by the PEPCK-Cmus mice in study also warrant closer investigation before any human application is considered. What would be the effects of increased consumption and aggression to an already over populated world plagued with violence?
References
Hanson, RW., Harkimi, P.(2008). Born to run; the story of the PEPCK-Cmus mouse. Science Direct, 90: 6, 838-842.
Available Online:
Wallace, H. The Independent, London.(2009, February 5). Can we really justify this disturbing kind of research? independent.co.uk Retrieved Mar 21, 2009, from http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/helen-wallace-can-we-really-justify-this-disturbing-kind-of-research-398652.html
Connor, S. The Independent, London. (2007, Nov 02).The mouse that shook the world. Retrieved March 21, 2009, from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/the-mouse-that-shook-the-world-744870.html
