Abstract
This special edition of Laboratory Animals is dedicated to the most disruptive technology that genetic science has encountered in many decades, genome editing. In this edition the technical details, challenges and the application of this technology to different species are presented and discussed. Genome editing presents an opportunity for refining genetically altered animal models and for greatly increasing their relevance to study human conditions. Never before has the generation of animals carrying single point mutations or other exquisitely accurate genetic alterations been within the grasp of so many researchers. Moreover, never before has a technology for genome engineering been applicable to every species so far examined. Amazing and exciting times for genetic science, but with great technologies of course there comes great responsibility. This is still a fledgling technology where many of the protocol and quality control regimes still need developing. The ethics around its usage, its acceptance by the public and its applications to the genomes of different animal species, including the human genome, are the subjects of contentious debate around the globe.
Animal researchers are faced with rapidly changing times and for those involved in animal care and welfare the challenges are great. With every new genetically altered strain comes the prospect of unpredictable outcomes, phenotypes and welfare issues outside of the knowledge and expertise of the facility and complexities in breeding that require an understanding of genetics like never before. With every challenge comes an opportunity, and bringing together the disciplines of animal care, welfare and research is the only way to proceed, not only to deliver the scientific outputs needed but also to protect the animals we are using.