Genetic Engineering of Livestock

Content includes:

• detailed information of the animal genome organization including eukaryotic gene structure.
• The function of the main structural and regulatory gene elements.
• Principles of DNA recombination, cloning vector design, usage of restriction enzymes, bacterial transformation, random transgene integration, DNA microinjection, methods for identification of a genetically modified organism,
• Generation of vectors for gene targeting, homologous recombination, tissue-specific recombination.
• Genome editing, CRISPR-Cas9 technology in livestock.
• Examples of genetically modified livestock.
• Ethical aspects of genome modification in livestock.

After successful completion of the module, the students have fundamental knowledge regarding genome modification in livestock (mammals and birds) and their application in agriculture and biomedicine.

The student are able to:

• recognise strengthens and weaknesses of different methods for genome modification in mammalian and avian livestock
• use the acquired knowledge to select and design the optimal genome modification strategy to achieve a defined goal, such as disease resistance.
• describe examples of existing genetically modified livestock and can discuss what the possible benefit could be for either humans or animals
• manipulate animal cells in the laboratory
• understand the ethical issues connected to genome modifications in livestock
• read and discuss literature about genetically engineering of livestock animals

The acquired knowledge will be assessed in an oral exam (20 minutes per each student) where the students provide evidence that he/she understood of genome engineering and that he/she can apply the knowledge in a new and different context. The students have to demonstrate their new skills on a hypothetical experiment such as the generation of a pig with a tissue specific reporter gene expression. They should prove their ability that they can describe, interpret and structure the newly obtained information and that they can combine it with previous knowledge and use it in slightly altered circumstances.

BSc in Agriculture, Molecular biology, biology or related areas. Basic knowledge about genetics and molecular biology.

• The lecture will mostly use examples from recent research. Publications will be circulated with the students. Animal Biotechnology 1 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-92327-7 Animal Biotechnology 2 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-92348-2

The module consists of a lecture (2 SWS), a seminar (1 SWS), and an exercise (1 SWS). During the lecture, the theoretical background is taught. Stud ents should study the provided script and are encouraged to ask and answer questions during the lecture. It is essential that knowledge acquisition is examined throughout the course by discussing technical and scientific problems such as, which method is applicable to change large areas of the genome, which if only a single base should be exchanged. For the seminar and exercise part students will work in groups, they will be encouraged to carry out an in-depth study of literature, assess the presented results and learn to question the validity of published results. Some hands-on experience will bring the subject to live and connect the theoretical and practical knowledge.