An overview of genetic engineering’s past

Half a century ago, the first genetically modified organism (GMO) was introduced, marking the beginning of a new era of biological innovation. Eight milestone GMOs have had a significant impact on our lives, including Escherichia coli, transgenic mice, Bt tobacco, Flavr Savr tomato, biofortified rice, AquAdvantage salmon, American chestnut, and mosquitoes.

Escherichia coli was the first to be modified to produce insulin for treating diabetes in 1978. Viral DNA was injected into mouse embryos to create transgenic mice, which were born with viral DNA throughout their genomes. Since then, scientists have created transgenic and knockout mice to investigate a variety of human illnesses, including cancer, alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression.

In 1987, Bt tobacco underwent genetic engineering to generate Bt toxins, which impact specific insects, such as common agricultural pests. Based on estimates, more than 1 billion hectares of Bt crops have been planted since then, increasing yields and decreasing the need for pesticides.

Micronutrient deficiencies have been addressed with the introduction of biofortified rice; the Flavr Savr tomato was the first to receive FDA approval and be released onto the US market. The late 1990s saw the development of golden rice, which is able to produce a precursor to vitamin A thanks to genes taken from a soil bacterium and a daffodil.

In 2015, AquAdvantage salmon received approval for human consumption, making it the first genetically modified animal to be approved for use as food in the US. Another crop that can benefit from genetic modification (GMO) is the American chestnut.

In 2021, male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were genetically modified to kill their female offspring before they could reach adulthood. To spread disease, mosquitoes have undergone genetic modification. Advances in gene editing have made it possible for gene drives to spread genetic alterations across entire populations. Concerns about the ethics and viability of altering entire animal populations remain unresolved, though.