SKUAST, Kashmir will continue gene-editing with other species after creating India’s first gene-edited sheep 

Riaz Ahmad Shah with India’s first gene-edited sheep.
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After multiple attempts, a team of researchers at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) achieved a remarkable feat by creating the country’s first gene-edited sheep. Following this breakthrough, the university plans to extend its gene-editing efforts to other breeds and species.

The university was able to perform gene editing after relentless research of around four years.

The team of researchers headed by Riyaz Ahmad Shah used CRISPR technology to perform the gene editing.

Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST, Kashmir told businessline that the university produced India’s first gene-edited sheep using CRISPR tool, which acts like microscopic scissors to cut DNA.

He said that CRISPR is the most popular tool and is used in more than 78 percent of studies. 

“The gene-edited lamb carries a modification in the ‘myostatin’ gene, which plays a key role in regulating muscle development”, Ganai said.

Ganai termed the feat as India’s inaugural achievement in sheep. He said that the gene-editing was performed following dozens of unsuccessful attempts. 

“We could not succeed in the first three and half years of the project, but did not give up”, said the Vice Chancellor. The gene-edited lamb was born three months ago, but the announcement was held back to ensure that the intended genetic changes had successfully occurred.

“We wanted to be absolutely certain before going public,” Ganai said.

He said that the institute plans to produce more gene-edited animals, as further refinement and precision can only be achieved through continued experimentation and additional births.

“Initially, we were skeptical, but with more experimentation, we are confident of achieving consistent success,” he said.

He said that they would continue gene-editing with other breeds and species.

Gene editing involves the use of advanced molecular tools like CRISPR/Cas9, TALENs, and ZFNs to make targeted alterations to an organism’s DNA. Unlike conventional genetic engineering, which often introduces foreign genes, gene editing allows scientists to directly modify or correct specific genes within the genome.

Earlier, the university had produced the world’s first cloned Pashmina goat Noori in 2012. The goat died in March 15, 2023. 

Published on May 30, 2025