Precision genome editing in domestic animals: a new era for agriculture and medicine

Authors: SPONCHIADO, MARIANA - University Of Missouri; MANGIAVACCHI, PAULA - University Of Missouri; Redel, Bethany; LEE, KIHO - University Of Missouri

Submitted to: Reproduction in Domestic Animals
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/10/2026
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Not required

Technical Abstract: The application of genome editing technologies in livestock has reshaped their use as biomedical models and advanced approaches to enhance their genetic values. More diverse livestock models are being used to model human diseases and identify novel therapeutics. In addition, genome editing technologies have demonstrated that gene-edited animals can be protected from deadly viruses that cause major economic losses to the industry and threaten food supply. For example, pig organs from genetically engineered pigs are now being used clinically to extend the lives of patients awaiting organ transplantation and gene-edited pigs lacking functional CD163 are resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRSV), which costs the U.S. pork industry over $1 billion dollar in annual losses. This review focuses on the use of gene editing technologies and how they have been used to improve livestock models for human disease and agricultural production. It also presents how this technology has improved the genome integrity and decreases un-wanted modifications that can occur when using genome editing tools.