First GM monkey born

US scientists have produced the world's first genetically altered primate, a rhesus monkey born on 2 October at the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland. Named ANDi, which stands for 'inserted DNA' backwards, the monkey carries an extra gene that makes a fluorescent green protein. The achievement was reported in last week's issue of Science.

The researchers inserted the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, originally isolated from a jellyfish, into 224 unfertilised rhesus monkey eggs. After fertilisation, 40 embryos were transferred to surrogate mothers, resulting in just three live births. Genetic tests carried out on cheek, hair and urine samples showed that only ANDi has the GFP gene. 'We could just as easily introduce an Alzheimer's gene, to accelerate the development of a vaccine for that disease' said team leader Professor Gerald Schatten.

Professor Schatten said that although genetically modified (GM) mice had taught scientists a great deal about human disease, there was a 'huge gap' between mice and people. But many researchers do not envisage an increase in primate research, both for ethical and financial reasons. However, some believe that GM monkeys could be useful for understanding illnesses that are difficult to study in rodents, such as those affecting behaviour.

The announcement prompted criticism, both from animal welfare groups and those concerned that ANDi represents a step towards genetically modified human beings. 'This is yet another step on the slippery slope to designer babies' claimed Dr David King of the Campaign Against Human Genetic Engineering'. Schatten says he does not support any extrapolation of his work to human beings.