Generation of VEGF Knock-In Cashmere Goat via the CRISPR/Cas9 System

In 2021, researchers used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to genetically modify Cashmere goats, aiming to enhance their hair growth rate and density. The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) gene was inserted into the goat's genome, replacing the fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) site. This resulted in increased VEGF expression and decreased FGF5 expression, which led to improved cashmere yield and fibre length. The study involved 131 recipient goats and resulted in the birth of one gene-edited goat. The gene-edited goat showed more vigorous cashmere synthesis than the control goats. The study concluded that the downregulation of FGF5 prolonged the growth period of hair follicles and increased the length of the cashmere. However, the live birth rate was only 1.5%, indicating a need for further improvements in the reprogramming efficiency.