Tehran - The head of the Animal Biotechnology Department at the Animal Science Research Institute of Iran has described CRISPR gene-editing technology as a powerful tool for improving livestock production and strengthening food security.

 

Mr. Ghorbani said the technology can be used to develop disease-resistant livestock, enhance productive traits in dairy and beef cattle, and improve animal health and welfare.

 

“Its high precision, speed, and efficiency have made CRISPR a key instrument in modern veterinary and animal science research.”

 

He noted that wider adoption of the technology could increase production and improve the quality of animal products.

 

“However, challenges such as limited funding, costly laboratory equipment, weak research infrastructure, restricted access to advanced technologies, and insufficient international cooperation continue to hinder progress in developing countries.”

 

Ghorbani added that ethical and regulatory considerations also influence the development and application of CRISPR, stressing that greater investment in research infrastructure, skilled workforce development, and scientific collaboration is essential to fully realize its potential in the livestock sector.

 

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) is a family of DNA sequences found in the genomes of prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria and archaea. Each sequence within an individual prokaryotic CRISPR is derived from a DNA fragment of a bacteriophage that had previously infected the prokaryote or one of its ancestors. These sequences are used to detect and destroy DNA from similar bacteriophages during subsequent infections. Hence these sequences play a key role in the antiviral (i.e. anti-phage) defense system of prokaryotes and provide a form of heritable, acquired immunity. CRISPR is found in approximately 50% of sequenced bacterial genomes and nearly 90% of sequenced archaea.