First genetically modified squids are born transparent after scientists 'knock out' pigmentation gene in embryos that controls eye and skin cell color

Daily Mail UK ^ | Stacy Liberatore

[BenLurkin]

The team used CRISPR-Cas9 to ‘knock out’ the gene in a Doryteuthis pealeii and in turn eliminated coloring from the eyes and skin cells.

The procedure involved clipping the egg’s tough outer layer with micro-scissors and delivering the reagents inside the embryo.

Cephalopods, which includes squid, octopus and cuttlefish, have been a mystery to researchers, as their nervous systems are capable of camouflage – but the breakthrough should ‘address a host of biological questions.’

For the first time in history, scientists have genetically altered squid embryos by removing a pigmentation gene that resulted in transparent creatures. The team used CRISPR-Cas9 to ¿knock out¿ the pigmentation genes in a Doryteuthis pealeii and in turn eliminated color from the eyes and skin cells

Cephalopods have the largest brain of all invertebrates, a nervous system that is capable of camouflaging itself and the special ability to recode their own genetic information inside its messenger RNA – and of course, they all have rare and interesting features.

Scientists have long attempted to uncover these creature’s secrets, but have failed due to their inability to peer into their structures – until now.

[null and void]

Kewl! Every baby can be born white!

[oldasrocks]

Why don’t they work on something useful? Like adding a color gene to the Wuhan virus so we can tell who is infecte.

[yesthatjallen]

If their retinas are transparent they’re blind.

[Oil Object Insp]

Wasn’t it the string cheese incident? , crazy name, real band. Lol