Cas9-expressing chickens and pigs as resources for genome editing in livestock

Significance Genetically modified animals are crucial for functional studies and translational biomedical research. However, the generation of genome-edited large animals is time consuming and inefficient. Here, we report the generation of transgenic pigs and chickens that ubiquitously express Cas9 nuclease. The functionality of Cas9 was demonstrated for different target genes, a variety of cell types, and in vivo for the heart and the developing brain. Genome editing can now easily be carried out in vivo in specific organs or tissues without the need to generate germline-modified animals. These Cas9 transgenic animals provide an innovative and efficient resource for in vivo genome editing in biomedical and agricultural sciences.
Genetically modified animals continue to provide important insights into the molecular basis of health and disease. Research has focused mostly on genetically modified mice, although other species like pigs resemble the human physiology more closely. In addition, cross-species comparisons with phylogenetically distant species such as chickens provide powerful insights into fundamental biological and biomedical processes. One of the most versatile genetic methods applicable across species is CRISPR-Cas9. Here, we report the generation of transgenic chickens and pigs that constitutively express Cas9 in all organs. These animals are healthy and fertile. Functionality of Cas9 was confirmed in both species for a number of different target genes, for a variety of cell types and in vivo by targeted gene disruption in lymphocytes and the developing brain, and by precise excision of a 12.7-kb DNA fragment in the heart. The Cas9 transgenic animals will provide a powerful resource for in vivo genome editing for both agricultural and translational biomedical research, and will facilitate reverse genetics as well as cross-species comparisons.