Scientists use CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool to modify transparent squid

CTOnews.com, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) scientists recently used CRISPR-Cas9 genetic modification technology to make hummingbird short-tailed squid "transparent", creating an almost completely transparent animal after controlling the gene expression of pigment. In a laboratory environment, scientists can see its three hearts and brains only through a specific angle of light.

CTOnews.com Note: hummingbird short-tailed squid (Euprymna berryi) is small and brown. Its size depends on gender. Males are less than 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) long, while females can be up to 5 centimeters (2.0 inches) in length.

The colors of hummingbird short-tailed squid and hummingbird short-tailed squid are mainly determined by a gene called TDO and another gene. Scientists Caroline Albertin and Joshua Rosenthal say that using CRISPR gene technology, quartz needles are used to inject genetic material into embryos, which removes two pigment genes, creating transparent squid.

Soltesz and Niell insert a fluorescent dye into the part of the brain that processes visual information. The dye glows when it approaches active brain cells. The scientists projected the image onto the screen in front of the squid. Areas of the brain associated with vision begin to glow, which is impossible to see in pigmented squid.

Referenc

Ahuja N, Hwaun E, Pungor JR, Rafiq R, Nemes S, Sakmar T, Vogt MA, Grasse B, Diaz Quiroz J, Montague TG, Null RW, Dallis DN, Gavriouchkina D, Marletaz F, Abbo L, Rokhsar DS, Niell CM, Soltesz I, Albertin CB, Rosenthal JJC. Creation of an albino squid line by CRISPR-Cas9 and its application for in vivo functional imaging of neural activity. Curr Biol. 2023 Jul 10: 33 (13): 2774-2783.e5. Doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.05.066. Epub 2023 Jun 20. PMID: 37343558.