New Delhi: In a historic milestone for Indian biotechnology, researchers at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in Srinagar, Kashmir, have successfully produced India’s first gene-edited sheep. This groundbreaking achievement, driven by the revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 technology, marks a transformative moment in animal biotechnology, positioning India as a global leader in genomic science. Led by Professor Riaz Ahmad Shah, a distinguished scientist specializing in animal cloning and gene editing, the SKUAST team has heralded what Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganai describes as “the birth of a new era in livestock genetics in India.”
Four Years of Pioneering Research
The development of India’s first gene-edited sheep is the result of four years of rigorous research by a dedicated team of five researchers at SKUAST-Kashmir, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The project targeted the myostatin gene, a critical regulator of muscle growth in animals. By precisely editing this gene, the researchers achieved a remarkable 30% increase in muscle mass in the gene-edited lamb, a trait naturally absent in Indian sheep breeds but present in select European breeds like the Texel.
Professor Riaz Ahmad Shah, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences at SKUAST-Kashmir, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “By disrupting the myostatin gene, muscle mass in the animal is enhanced by nearly 30%, a trait naturally absent in Indian sheep breeds but known in select European breeds like the Texel. The introduction of this mutation through gene editing, and not through traditional crossbreeding, represents a technological leap.” This precise intervention avoids the lengthy process of crossbreeding, offering a faster, more efficient path to improving livestock traits.
This milestone follows the recent release of India’s first gene-edited rice variety, endorsed by the Union Ministry for Agriculture, signaling India’s accelerating advancements in genomic science. Together, these achievements highlight the nation’s potential to revolutionize agriculture and livestock farming, addressing critical challenges like food security and economic sustainability.
CRISPR-Cas9: Precision at the Genetic Level
The gene-editing process utilized CRISPR-Cas9, a cutting-edge technology awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for its precise “cut-and-paste” mechanism for DNA strands. CRISPR-Cas9 enables scientists to add, remove, or alter genetic material at specific genomic locations with unprecedented accuracy. In this project, the SKUAST team used CRISPR-Cas9 to modify the myostatin gene without introducing foreign DNA, distinguishing the process from transgenic methods that insert external genetic material.
This absence of foreign DNA is a pivotal factor, aligning with international biosafety protocols and increasing the likelihood of regulatory approval under India’s evolving biotech policy framework. Professor Shah noted, “The edited sheep doesn’t contain any foreign DNA, thus distinguishing it from transgenic organisms. This can pave the way for regulatory approval.” The adherence to global biosafety standards ensures that the process is safe, efficient, and potentially acceptable to both regulators and consumers.
Transforming Livestock Farming in India
The successful gene-editing of the sheep unlocks a wide array of applications for Indian livestock farming. Professor Shah highlighted the technology’s versatility: “The technique has multiple applications. We can edit the genes responsible for diseases to produce disease-resistant animals. It can also help in the twinning of animals at birth.” These advancements could significantly boost productivity for farmers by creating healthier, more robust livestock and increasing birth rates, thereby enhancing economic outcomes.
The gene-edited lamb, now three months old, exhibits a noticeable increase in muscle mass compared to its non-mutated counterparts. To ensure the accuracy of their findings, the SKUAST team plans to send the lamb’s DNA to foreign research laboratories for further verification, underscoring their commitment to rigorous scientific standards. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganai encapsulated the broader impact: “This is not just the birth of a lamb, but the birth of a new era in livestock genetics in India. With gene editing, we have the ability to bring precise, beneficial changes without introducing foreign DNA, making the process efficient, safe, and potentially acceptable to both regulators and consumers.”
Building on a Legacy of Innovation
This achievement builds on Professor Shah’s storied career in biotechnology. In 2012, his team gained international recognition for cloning India’s first Pashmina goat, named Noori, which lived for 11 years and produced seven kids. Shah also played a pivotal role in developing the world’s first cloned buffalo at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal. More recently, NDRI researchers developed a gene-edited buffalo embryo, further showcasing India’s rapid progress in animal biotechnology.
Shah described the gene-edited sheep as a “path-breaking development” that places India on the global map of advanced genome editing technologies. He compared its significance to the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in the 21st century, stating, “The introduction of this mutation through gene editing, and not through traditional crossbreeding, represents a technological leap akin to the revolution Artificial Intelligence is driving.”
Navigating Ethical Challenges
While the gene-edited sheep represents a scientific triumph, it also raises critical ethical questions about gene-editing technologies. The document outlines concerns such as off-target effects and mosaicism—mixed genetic changes in cells—that could lead to unintended consequences like new diseases or ecological imbalances. Animal welfare is another significant issue, as gene-editing research often involves surgical procedures and the sacrifice of animals, prompting debates about ethical treatment.
Gene editing is categorized into somatic cell editing and germline cell editing. Somatic editing targets non-reproductive cells (e.g., skin or liver) and is used to treat conditions like cancer or sickle cell anemia, with changes that are not heritable. Germline editing, which targets reproductive cells or embryos, results in heritable changes affecting every cell of the resulting individual and their descendants. While somatic editing is actively used in clinical trials, germline editing remains experimental due to its profound ethical implications, including the risk of creating “designer babies” by editing traits like intelligence, sex, or appearance.
Such interventions could exacerbate social inequalities, creating a divide between those who can afford genetic enhancements and those who cannot. The document also warns of the potential for eugenics, which could promote discrimination and marginalization. The International Bioethics Committee of UNESCO is actively exploring these ethical dimensions, advocating for robust regulation to ensure responsible use of gene-editing technologies.
A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
The gene-edited sheep project aligns with SKUAST-Kashmir’s ambitious vision to establish India’s most advanced reproductive biotechnology facility. By integrating cutting-edge research with practical applications, the university aims to enhance livelihood, food security, and sustainability. Dr. Ganai emphasized the role of biotechnology, combined with technologies like artificial intelligence, in driving a sustainable bio-economy for a developed India. “This success reflects SKUAST-Kashmir’s unwavering commitment to innovation, scientific excellence, and nation-building through biotechnology,” he said.
The project’s sponsorship by ICAR underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing India’s scientific capabilities. By leveraging partnerships and resources, SKUAST-Kashmir is positioning itself at the forefront of reproductive biotechnology research, with the potential to transform agriculture and animal husbandry.
Regulatory Pathways and Future Applications
Currently conducted at the research level, the gene-edited sheep’s broader application hinges on the development of clear regulatory frameworks. Professor Shah noted that the Indian government is actively working on regulations for gene-edited animals. “The government is already in the process of making regulations for gene-edited animals. Once that is done, and it is allowed at the farmer level, it will have a widespread application,” he said. The absence of foreign DNA in the gene-edited sheep aligns with consumer and regulatory preferences, potentially streamlining the approval process.
The technology’s potential extends beyond muscle enhancement. By editing genes associated with disease resistance or reproductive traits, it could address pressing challenges in Indian agriculture, such as livestock losses due to disease or low productivity. These advancements could empower farmers, boost rural economies, and contribute to India’s food security goals.
India’s Place on the Global Stage
The development of India’s first gene-edited sheep places the country alongside global leaders like the United States, China, and the European Union, where the myostatin gene has previously been edited in livestock. Shah described the achievement as “a symbol of promise, progress, and possibility for the future of sustainable livestock farming in India.” By harnessing CRISPR-Cas9, India is demonstrating its ability to compete in advanced biotechnology while addressing local agricultural needs.
This milestone builds on the recent success of India’s first gene-edited rice variety, reinforcing the nation’s growing expertise in genomic science. As India continues to innovate, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and livestock farming on a global scale.
Conclusion
The production of India’s first gene-edited sheep by SKUAST-Kashmir researchers is a transformative achievement that signals a new era in livestock genetics. By leveraging CRISPR-Cas9 to enhance muscle mass by 30%, the team has showcased the power of precise gene editing to improve agricultural outcomes. This milestone strengthens India’s position in global biotechnology while highlighting the need for ethical and regulatory frameworks to guide its application. As SKUAST-Kashmir continues to push the boundaries of reproductive biotechnology, the gene-edited sheep stands as a beacon of innovation, promising a sustainable and prosperous future for Indian agriculture.
