Introduction Guide to Biotechnology - Biomolecular Engineering Lab

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1994
n First FDA approval for a whole food produced
through biotechnology: FLAVRSAVR tomato.
n The first breast cancer gene is discovered.
n Approval of recombinant version of human DNase,
which breaks down protein accumulation in the lungs
of CF patients.
n BST commercialized as POSILAC ® bovine somatotropin.
1995
n The first baboon-to-human bone marrow transplant is
performed on an AIDS patient.
n The first full gene sequence of a living organism other
than a virus is completed, for the bacterium Hemophilus
influenzae.
n Gene therapy, immune system modulation and recombinantly
produced antibodies enter the clinic in the
war against cancer.
1996
n The discovery of a gene associated with Parkinson’s
disease provides an important new avenue of research
into the cause and potential treatment of the debilitating
neurological ailment.
1997
n First animal cloned from an adult cell: a sheep named
Dolly in Scotland.
n First weed- and insect-resistant biotech crops commercialized:
Roundup Ready ® soybeans and Bollgard ®
insect-protected cotton.
n Biotech crops grown commercially on nearly 5 million
acres worldwide: Argentina, Australia, Canada, China,
Mexico and the United States.
n A group of Oregon researchers claims to have cloned
two Rhesus monkeys.
1998
n University of Hawaii scientists clone three generations
of mice from nuclei of adult ovarian cumulus cells.
n Human embryonic stem cell lines are established.
n Scientists at Japan’s Kinki University clone eight identical
calves using cells taken from a single adult cow.
n The first complete animal genome, for the C. elegans
worm, is sequenced.
n A rough draft of the human genome map is produced,
showing the locations of thousands of genes.
n Five Southeast Asian countries form a consortium to
develop disease-resistant papayas.
Also in the 1990s
n First conviction using genetic fingerprinting in the U.K.
n Discovery that hereditary colon cancer is caused by
defective DNA repair gene.
n Recombinant rabies vaccine tested in raccoons.
n Biotechnology-based biopesticide approved for sale in
the United States.
n Patents issued for mice with specific transplanted
genes.
n First European patent on a transgenic animal issued
for transgenic mouse sensitive to carcinogens.
2000
n First complete map of a plant genome developed: Arabidopsis
thaliana.
n Biotech crops grown on 108.9 million acres in 13
countries.
n “Golden rice” announcement allows the technology
to be available to developing countries in hopes of
improving the health of undernourished people and
preventing some forms of blindness.
n First biotech crop field-tested in Kenya: virus-resistant
sweet potato.
n Rough draft of the human genome sequence is announced.
2001
n First complete map of the genome of a food plant
completed: rice.
n Researchers with China’s National Hybrid Rice Research
Center report developing a “super rice” that
could produce double the yield of normal rice.
n Complete DNA sequencing of the agriculturally
important bacteria Sinorhizobium meliloti, a nitro-
Biotechnology Industry Organization n Guide to Biotechnology