Transgenic Cows Boost Human Insulin Tenfold

A recent study reveals that a genetically modified cow has successfully produced milk containing human insulin. This breakthrough suggests a potential solution to ensure sufficient insulin production at a reduced cost for all diabetic patients.

Type 1 diabetics, unable to produce insulin due to pancreatic damage, rely on injectable insulin for survival, as do some type 2 diabetics. The World Health Organization estimates that only about half of the 150 to 200 million people worldwide who require insulin are currently receiving treatment. Access to insulin remains insufficient in many countries, both wealthy and developing, with documented challenges regarding its cost and availability.

Harnessing Cows for Insulin Production

In a recent study conducted by the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Universidade de São Paulo, researchers propose a potential solution to insulin scarcity and cost reduction utilizing cows. Matt Wheeler, the study’s corresponding author, highlights the efficiency of the mammary gland in producing protein, suggesting it as a viable approach to aid millions worldwide.

Insulin originates as proinsulin within the body before converting into its active state.Diabetics receive injected insulin synthesized by bacteria containing a synthetic human insulin gene. This gene is cultured in large fermentation tanks to produce insulin, which is later extracted and purified for medical use.

In this study, human DNA encoding proinsulin was inserted into cells of ten cow embryos, which were then implanted into normal Brazilian cows, resulting in the birth of a transgenic calf. The term ‘transgenic’ refers to organisms with DNA from another species, here, human DNA aimed at expressing solely in milk-producing mammary tissue.

Unlike previous methods, researchers used a precise DNA construct tailored for mammary tissue to prevent human insulin from circulating in the cow’s bloodstream or other tissues, capitalizing on the mammary gland’s protein production capabilities.

Hormone-Induced Lactation in Transgenic Calves

The mature calf was induced into her first lactation with hormones. Despite lower milk volume than expected, the milk contained both human proinsulin and insulin, with a high ratio of biologically active insulin to proinsulin.

Expression levels reached a few grams per liter of milk, but uncertainties remain about exact insulin production during typical lactation due to induced lactation and reduced milk volume. Nevertheless, researchers anticipate significant insulin yield if their cautious estimates are accurate.

Wheeler emphasized cows’ potential to generate significant insulin volumes. With one gram of insulin per liter of milk and Holstein cows yielding 40 to 50 liters daily, each gram translates to roughly 28,818 insulin units. For a type 1 diabetic needing eight to ten units per lunch, a liter of transgenic cow milk could cover approximately 2,881 lunches, nearly eight years’ worth with a ten-unit dose.

This advancement mirrors the early stages of insulin therapy when beef insulin was initially used to treat diabetes in humans in January 1922. The discontinuation of bovine insulin production in the US in 1998 and porcine insulin in 2006 marked the shift away from animal-derived insulin.

Plans for Establishing an Insulin-Producing Herd

The researchers aim to replicate the cow’s success and breed transgenic bulls to establish a herd capable of insulin production. Wheeler envisions even a small herd could surpass current manufacturing methods, leveraging the dairy industry’s expertise in cattle management.

“Producing insulin in milk requires specialized cattle facilities but aligns with our established dairy practices,” Wheeler remarked. “We have the necessary cow-handling expertise.”

Before transgenic cows can provide insulin globally, an efficient harvesting system, FDA approval, and purification are necessary. Despite this, Wheeler remains optimistic.

“I foresee a future where a 100-head herd, akin to a small dairy in Illinois or Wisconsin, could meet the country’s insulin demand,” Wheeler suggested. “With a larger herd, we could supply the entire world’s insulin needs within a year.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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