This special cow is making insulin in its milk, diabetic patients can enjoy it! – Dainik Savera Times

New Delhi: Scientists have made a major breakthrough in the fight against diabetes. Researchers led by veterinary scientist Matt Wheeler of the University of Illinois (Urbanachampaign) have created a genetically modified cow in whose milk human insulin has been found. The research, published in the journal Biotechnology, offers a potential solution to the challenge of insulin supply globally.

So far, insulin for diabetes patients is mainly made using genetically modified bacteria or yeast. This new approach, if proven successful, could revolutionize insulin production. Analysis of the milk found that it contained proteins with molecular weights similar to human proinsulin and insulin.

Apart from this, research also indicates that cow’s milk can also convert proinsulin into insulin, although the level of production is still low, but researchers believe that this technology has great potential for large-scale production. Insulin is a type of hormone which is produced in our body by an organ called pancreas. It plays an important role in controlling the blood sugar level in the body.

What happens if insulin is not produced
If the body is not able to produce insulin in sufficient quantity or the cells are not sensitive to insulin, then this condition is called diabetes. In case of diabetes, blood sugar level can remain continuously high, which can cause many problems to the body.

How was the research done?
The researchers inserted the specific human DNA code needed to produce proinsulin (a precursor to insulin) into cow embryos. These embryos were then implanted into normal cows, resulting in the birth of a healthy calf. Although attempts to get this cow pregnant naturally were unsuccessful, scientists were successful in inducing milk production.

Protein found in milk of transgenic cows
According to the study authors, producing recombinant proteins in the milk of transgenic cows is an exciting system. Proteases (enzymes that break down proteins) present in milk can play an important role in this process. These proteases can help in processing and converting the recombinant proteins into functional proteins. Some milk proteases can also destroy recombinant proteins. This research opens a new way to make insulin supplies stable and potentially more affordable for diabetes patients around the world.