The Space of Stupidity in the Midst of Education

This study demonstrated the use of the CRISPR-Cas9 system for targeted genome editing in large mammals, specifically Cashmere goats, by targeting the <i>EDAR</i> gene. Two single-guide RNAs were used to achieve a 69.7% mutation efficiency in 62 out of 89 cell lines. From these, <i>EDAR</i> gene-targeted embryos were created and transferred to 79 recipients, resulting in the birth of six male goats. Only two survived, exhibiting abnormal primary hair follicles and no hair on their heads, characteristic of <i>EDAR</i> gene targeting. This study provided a valuable model for future research on <i>EDAR</i> gene-related phenotypes and hair follicle development, confirming the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 for gene editing in large mammals.