Chinese Scientists Create Monkey Chimera

November 11, 2023

Chinese scientists have achieved a significant milestone in the realm of genetic research by creating a monkey chimera with two sets of DNA. This experimental breakthrough could have far-reaching implications for medical research and the conservation of endangered species. The project, which involved combining stem cells from a cynomolgus monkey with a genetically distinct embryo from the same species, yielded a substantially chimeric primate. This achievement opens new avenues for understanding biological processes, modeling diseases, and advancing medical science. However, it also raises ethical concerns regarding the use of nonhuman primates in scientific research.

A Notable Breakthrough

The researchers’ work, detailed in a study published in the scientific journal Cell, marks the world’s first live birth of a primate chimera created with stem cells. The monkey, which lived for ten days before being euthanized, exhibited a high ratio of cells that grew from the stem cells throughout its body, including the brain. This indicates the potential value of this approach in modeling neurodegenerative diseases.

Conservation and Medical Research

Beyond its scientific significance, this achievement holds promise for species conservation. If chimeras can be created between two nonhuman primate species, including endangered ones, it could facilitate the breeding of animals to help preserve threatened populations.

Human-Monkey Chimeras: An Ethical Line

While chimeras involving nonhuman primates show potential, there are ethical boundaries to consider. The creation of human-animal chimeras, especially beyond early embryonic stages, is a contentious issue. Scientists have previously reported human-monkey chimeric embryos, with hopes of addressing organ transplant shortages. However, ethical concerns about these endeavors persist.

Study Methodology and Outcomes

The research involved generating pluripotent stem cells from monkey embryos, which were then injected into genetically distinct embryos from the same species. Green fluorescent protein was used to identify tissues that grew from the stem cells. The study resulted in 12 pregnancies and six live births, with one substantially chimeric monkey.

Expert Perspectives

Experts in the field have offered varying viewpoints on this achievement. While some view it as a significant step toward creating mutant monkeys for research purposes, others emphasize the challenges and limitations, such as the inability to demonstrate that the stem cells used are inheritable by offspring.

Ethical Concerns

The use of monkeys in scientific research raises ethical questions, particularly concerning animal welfare. Critics express concerns about the suffering and ethical implications of these technologies when applied to sentient animals.

The Global Context

In the United States, research involving nonhuman primates constitutes a small fraction of scientific studies. However, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have emphasized the critical role of nonhuman primates in lifesaving medical advances, including COVID-19 vaccine development. A shortage of nonhuman primates is seen as a hindrance to essential research.

« Previous Post Next Post »