Transgenic farm animals: an update

The first transgenic livestock species were reported in 1985. Since then microinjection of foreign DNA into pronuclei of zygotes has been the method of choice. It is now being replaced by more efficient protocols based on somatic nuclear transfer that also permit targeted genetic modifications. Lentiviral vectors and small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) technology are also becoming important tools for transgenesis. In 2006 the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) gave green light for the commercialistion of the first recombinant protein produced in the milk of transgenic animals. Recombinant antithrombin III will be launched as ATryn for prophylactic treatment of patients with congenital antithrombin deficiency. This important milestone will boost the research activities in farm animal transgenesis. Recent developments in transgenic techniques of farm animals are discussed in this review.