Gene editing service. EdiGen

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are essential for basic research and preclinical trials of all kinds of diseases and disorders. It is crucial that drugs be tested in different animal models before being used in humans; for this, it is necessary to have cellular and animal models that reproduce, as closely as possible, a disease or some of its symptoms. In recent years, the CRISPR/Cas system has revolutionized the field of gene editing, making the production of a genetically modified organism a faster, cheaper, and more precise process. It has also represented a major advance in agriculture, where it has allowed for improvements in the quality, resistance, and durability of different plant species. Currently, there is no service or company in the Canary Islands that performs these genetic modifications. Scientists in the islands are forced to purchase genetically modified organisms from other parts of Spain or other countries, which adds significant costs to their projects. Furthermore, on several occasions, airlines have refused to transport laboratory animals on their aircraft, thus blocking research projects in which these animals were involved. The unique characteristics of our island geography necessitate the creation of a service or company capable of generating, within the Canary Islands, the cell lines and animal models required for basic and applied research conducted here. Likewise, due to existing difficulties with the transport of mice, it is crucial to have the appropriate methodology to facilitate the transfer of mouse embryos and their implantation in surrogate mothers. Finally, research projects evolve and progress through different phases, and some mouse models become obsolete. Currently, the University of La Laguna's animal facility contains mouse colonies that are no longer needed for projects; however, these colonies must be maintained, as otherwise, this mouse model, often unique in the world, would be lost. In this regard, this project also proposes creating a cryopreservation system to efficiently preserve mouse embryos and semen. This type of preservation allows for the recovery of mouse models when needed again. This service represents savings in cost, labor, and space in the animal facility; but above all, it has significant ethical implications, optimizing the use of animals for experimentation.

---

ULL Team

• Eduardo Carlos Salido Ruiz
• Diego Álvarez de la Rosa Rodríguez
• María Rosa Arnau Díaz-Llanos
• Teresa Giráldez Fernández
• Tomás González Hernández