SKorean Scientists Clone Cats That Glow
Pastor Dale Morgan
SKorean Scientists Clone Cats That Glow*
The Associated Press
Friday, December 14, 2007; 9:26 PM
SEOUL, South Korea -- South Korean scientists have cloned cats that glow
red when exposed to ultraviolet rays, an achievement that could help
develop cures for human genetic diseases, the Science and Technology
Ministry said.
Three Turkish Angora cats were born in January and February through
cloning with a gene that produces a red fluorescent protein that makes
them glow in dark. One died at birth, but the two others survived, the
ministry said.
The ministry claimed it was the first time cats with modified genes have
been cloned.
Scientists from Gyeongsang National University and Sunchon National
University took skin cells from a cat and inserted the fluorescent gene
into them before transplanting the genetically modified cells into eggs.
The development means other genes can also be inserted in the course of
cloning, paving the way for producing lab cats with genetic diseases,
including those of humans, to help develop new treatments, the ministry
said.
"Cats have similar genes to those of humans," said veterinary professor
Kong Il-keun of Gyeongsang National University. "We can make genetically
modified cats that can be used to develop new cures for genetic diseases."
Keitaro Kato, a geneticist at Kinki University in western Japan who has
cloned fish, said the research could be significant if it eventually
helps treat people with hereditary diseases.
"People with genetic disorders usually have to receive treatment
throughout their lives that is very hard on them," Kato said. "If these
results can help to make their lives easier, then I think it's a
wonderful thing."
South Korea's scientific reputation suffered a heavy blow after
much-hailed stem-cell breakthroughs by scientist Hwang Woo-suk were
found to be faked in late 2005. He remains on trial on fraud and other
charges.