Beschreibung:
<jats:p>Transgenesis is the introduction of a new gene in a whole organism to generate animal lines harbouring new genetic traits or having lost a gene. This procedure helps our understanding of the mechanisms regulating gene expression as well as the function of genes in the body. Transgenesis provides models to study human diseases and prepares animals as potential sources of organs and cells, as well as pharmaceutical proteins, to be used in man. Transgenesis creates genetically modified farm animals, thereby increasing and targeting biodiversity. However, the success of animal transgenesis is still restricted by several problems, particularly technical and financial. Gene transfer remains difficult in large animals even if new techniques have brought decisive improvements. Another problem is the often poorly controlled expression of transgenes. This requires the generation of multiple founders to keep only the best, and reduce the unpredictable side effects of transgenesis. The applications of transgenesis in farm animals are also limited by the availability of genes expected to bring a significant improvement over pre-existing lines. Animal transgenesis must also deal with issues of biosafety and acceptability by consumers. This article reviews the major advances in animal transgenesis.</jats:p>