Paul
10-26-2004, 05:13 PM
Allerca (http://www.allerca.com/) is taking orders for genetically engineered hypo-allergenic cats for delivery in 2007. The first breed of hypoallergenic cat produced will be the British Shorthair for $3,500.
A glycoprotein, Fel d 1, secreted by the sebaceous glands, is the major cat allergen. This allergen is found in the fur, pelt, saliva, serum, urine, mucous, salivary glands, and hair roots of the cat.
Using patented genetic technology, the ALLERCA team will focus on the particular gene that produces the Fel d 1 glycoprotein. Using a technique known as “gene silencing”, the process reduces the gene’s ability to produce the protein.
Other genetic methods may produce allergen-fee cats, but these procedures rely on nuclear transfer (cloning) and may result in associated known risks prevalent in cloned animals. The gene silencing method adopted by ALLERCA is regarded as the most effective method of producing healthy hypoallergenic animals and is considered harmless to the cat.
Every pet is special.
Paul
A glycoprotein, Fel d 1, secreted by the sebaceous glands, is the major cat allergen. This allergen is found in the fur, pelt, saliva, serum, urine, mucous, salivary glands, and hair roots of the cat.
Using patented genetic technology, the ALLERCA team will focus on the particular gene that produces the Fel d 1 glycoprotein. Using a technique known as “gene silencing”, the process reduces the gene’s ability to produce the protein.
Other genetic methods may produce allergen-fee cats, but these procedures rely on nuclear transfer (cloning) and may result in associated known risks prevalent in cloned animals. The gene silencing method adopted by ALLERCA is regarded as the most effective method of producing healthy hypoallergenic animals and is considered harmless to the cat.
Every pet is special.
Paul