First MUTANT ANTS Created Using CRISPR Genetic Technology

Besides developing treatments for genetically related diseases, CRISPR is used across science. Researchers had long tried altering ant genetics, but their complex life cycle made this difficult. According to a study published in August 2017 in Cell , the first mutant ants were produced using CRISPR technology.

Genetically modified organisms are frequently used to understand biological disease mechanisms and develop medicines. For years, researchers have altered organisms such as miceand fruit flies to model diseases and develop treatments. CRISPR modification of ants may answer many questions. What could these advances bring?

1. Ants have complex social organization. Despite identical genomes, groups such as queens and workers develop, a unique example of epigenetics. Genetic modifications in ants may therefore advance epigenetics research.
2. Designing ant models may also clarify biological mechanisms undetectable in mice.