Researchers have successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit spider DNA, resulting in the production of red fluorescent silk. Funded by the US Navy and Air Force, this research is aimed at developing "supermaterials" from spider silk. The project demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of incorporating desired genetic sequences into spider silk proteins. Additionally, the study explored the effects of knocking out a gene critical for eye development, further highlighting the versatility of CRISPR in biological engineering.
"Considering the wide range of possible applications, it is surprising that there have been no studies to date using CRISPR-Cas9 in spiders," said senior author and University of Bayreuth professor Thomas Scheibel.
"We have demonstrated, for the first time worldwide, that CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to incorporate a desired sequence into spider silk proteins, thereby enabling the functionalisation of these silk fibres."
"Successful spider silk engineering in vivo will, therefore, help to develop and employ new fiber functionalities for a broad range of applications," the team wrote in its paper.
The researchers also attempted to knock out a gene called sine oculis, responsible for spider eyes, finding it crucial for visual development.
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