In a groundbreaking advancement for the cultivated meat industry, researchers from Suranaree University of Technology in Thailand have successfully used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create immortalised pig muscle stem cells.

This development, detailed in a recent study published in 3 Biotech, holds the potential to significantly enhance the production of sustainable meat alternatives, making them more accessible to consumers.

Key findings

The research team set out to address a significant challenge in cultivated meat production: the limited lifespan and diminishing effectiveness of muscle stem cells during extended culture periods.

By targeting and deleting the TP53 gene – known for its role in regulating cell growth and health – they developed several TP53-knockout (KO) clones.

Remarkably, these clones demonstrated dramatically longer lifespans compared to traditional muscle cells, effectively overcoming one of the major obstacles in the industry.

Enhanced growth and muscle development

The TP53-KO clones not only exhibited extended lifespans but also showed faster growth rates and increased expression of a key proliferation marker, Ki67.

Importantly, these clones maintained the ability to produce muscle-specific proteins, which is crucial for ensuring that the cultivated meat retains its quality and authenticity.

This advancement could lead to more efficient and scalable production methods, meeting the rising consumer demand for sustainable and ethically produced meat alternatives.

Safety considerations

While the findings are promising, the study also highlighted important safety considerations. Most of the TP53-KO clones displayed normal behavior and did not show signs of tumor formation.

However, two clones raised concerns due to potential tumorigenic properties. This underscores the necessity for thorough safety evaluations as the cultivated meat sector approaches commercialisation, balancing the benefits of enhanced cellular capabilities with consumer safety.

Implications for cultivated meat

As the cultivated meat market expands, innovations like these immortalised muscle cells could play a vital role in meeting the growing consumer demand for sustainable protein sources.

The ability to produce high-quality muscle tissue more efficiently could significantly reduce reliance on traditional livestock farming, which has considerable environmental impacts.