The document proposes genetically engineering a mutation found in some breeds of chickens called fibromelanosis, which causes abnormal dark pigmentation of the skin and connectives tissue, into other domestic animals. The researcher hypothesizes that offspring will express fibromelanosis. The objectives are to anatomically compare samples, isolate the gene responsible, insert it into a retrovirus, infect eggs through in vitro fertilization, and analyze subsequent generations for the presence of fibromelanosis and any other effects. Potential benefits include uses for camouflage by the military or as exotic pets, while risks include low egg viability and unexpected mutations.

1. Induced hyperpigmentation
from mutated Gallus
gallus
Joanly Rivera Ortiz
Research Proposal
RISE Summer Program 2015
BIOL3009

2. Genetic Engineering
 Manipulation of genes.
 Fribromelanosis expressions.
 "abnormal accumulation of the dark pigment melanin in
the dermis and connective tissue formations"
(Yablanski, T.)
 Recreate the mutation in other domestic animals.

3.  There are three breeds of Gallus gallus with
fibromelanosis
 Ayam Cemani (originating from Indonesia)
 Svart Höna / Swedish Black Chicken (descendant of
Ayam Cemani)
 Tuzo Argentina (variation from the Aseel, native to
India)

4. Hypothesis
 GM offspring expresses
fibromelanosis
 The modification will affect
other characteristics
Variables
 Independent variable:
 Mutated gene from Gallus
gallus
 Dependent variable:
 Offspring’s genes

5. Objectives
 Anatomical comparison
 Decode DNA
 Isolate gene
 Insert gene into a retrovirus - GeneDetect®

6.  ‘Infect’ receptor
 In vitro fertilization
 8 eggs
 10 mothers
 Inbreeding
 First generation
 Second generation
Graphics by Jeffery Lim, Copyright @ 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights
reserved.

7.  Analyze GM specimen
 Anatomy
 Physical condition
 Intelligence

8. Benefits
 Military purposes
 Completely black Belgian Shepherds
 Pet/exotic animals lovers
 Any type of animal with this pigmentation would have
great value on the market.
 Black pigs
 resist heat better
 Could survive in Africa where food is in scarcity

9. Potential Pitfalls
 High percentage of immature eggs
 Unexpected mutations
 Miscarriages
 Sicken offspring

10. Works cited
Evaluation of AAV-Mediated Expression of Chop2-GFP in the Marmoset
Retina. (2010, October). Retrieved June 1, 2015.
Palmer, J. (2009, May 27). Glowing monkeys 'to aid research' Retrieved
June 30, 2015.
rAVETM
custom AAV2 serotype viral vectors. Retrieved July 5, 2015, from
http://www.genedetect.com/rave.htm#ravesupply
What is genetic engineering? (2014, December 22). Retrieved July 2,
2015, from http://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-genetic-
engineering
Yablanski, T. (Ed.). (2013). Fibromelanosis in domestic chickens.
Agricultural Science and Technology, 5(3), 239-240. Retrieved June
16, 2015.

11. Questions?
Thank you for your attention