It wasn't an easy task, but the scientists and researchers at Bernadette's Biopharmaceutical managed to complete the challenge.
Background Research
In order to create a dog with an increased lifespan, we first needed to do some research, so we looked at organisms that had long lives. Unfortunately, the researching focused on organisms with long lifespans did not help much, therefore we looked in a different direction.
After a couple months, we finally found an organism that could potentially help with our work. That organism is a Caenorhabditis elegans, known more commonly as a microscopic roundworm
C. elegans with a specific single-gene mutation lived twice as long as other C. elegans that did not have the single-gene mutation. The responsible gene is called daf-2.
Daf-2 is known to regulate many factors regarding aging, such as, stress resistance, metabolism, and development. The daf-2 protein, which is an insulin receptor, is the protein that makes daf-2. Daf-2 makes many proteins that promote aging. The most common protein made is INS-7, which is an insulin-like protein.
Procedure
After gathering as much information that was needed, we started the experiment. Although we went through many difficulties and challenges, we finally got the results that we wanted. Now the procedure is easier and safer.
To start we obtained single-gene mutation from C. elegans by using restriction enzymes to cut out the specific mutated daf-2 gene. After obtaining the mutated daf-2 gene, we took an unfertilized egg cell from a female dog and inserted the mutated daf-2 gene into the egg. Next, we put the unfertilized egg, containing the mutated daf-2 gene, back into the female dog and wait as it gets fertilized. This process works because the mutated daf-2 gene was inserted into the organism when it was still an unfertilized egg. This means that as the egg get fertilized and goes through cell division, the mutated daf-2 gene will be inherited in all cells. The mutated daf-2 gene has the instructions to tell all the cells that were produced that the dogs lifespan should be extended.
Once Doggo 2.0 is born it will undergo various tests to ensure that it will be ready to go to his/her new family. Note that Doggo 2.0 will not be harmed in anyway during the various tests.
Note that this website is for educational purposes only. Doggo 2.0 is not a real thing.