Gene-Editing Experiment Accidentally Turns Adorable Hamsters Into Rageful Creatures

Hamsters are not only known for being fluffy and affectionate but also for their social intelligence when it comes to interacting with their co-species.

Being the subject of most experiments, the Syrian hamster has been known as the "experimental hamster" or "laboratory hamster" as part of animal testing for scientific advancement.

However, a new study in the United States reportedly used a controversial gene-editing technology that accidentally turned sociable Syrian hamsters into aggressive "mutant-like" animals.

Scientists in the study were surprised since their reported experimental objective was to increase the camaraderie and socialization of the hamsters.

Experiment Gone Wrong

Using the "controversial CRISPR technology," scientists from the Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, have accidentally turned Syrian hamsters into so-called "mutant rage monsters," or extremely aggressive animals as part of a gene-editing experiment gone wrong, as described by the UK's newspaper Metro.

The said study has been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on May 5, where the Northwestern University researchers examined a hamster hormone called vasopressin and its receptor Avpr1a.

In an attempt to improve their sociable behavior, the research team attempted to remove Avpr1a, which has been reported to be responsible for regulating behaviors like teamwork, friendship, dominance, and bonding.

Professor H Elliot Albers, a lead researcher in the study, stated they were surprised at the experiment results.

This is due to the fact they were anticipating that by eliminating vasopressin activity, Syrian hamsters will reduce their aggression and social communication.

However, the result is the opposite of what the scientists have been expecting, Albers added.

Experiment Observations

In the study, the US-based scientists observed the experimental subjects showed high levels of aggressive behavior toward their fellow same-sex hamsters.

The behavior exhibited includes biting, chasing, and pinning when the gene-altered hamsters are exposed to the non-aggressive ones in a neutral environment.

The experiment underscores this is the case for all hamsters regardless of their sex or genotype.

Unlike mice, the scientists chose Syrian hamsters due to their social organization, which resembles that of humans.

Following the unprecedented results, the lead author acknowledged the reality that humans still have a limited understanding when it comes to the system involving vasopressin and Avpr1a.

The Lab Rat: Syrian Hamsters

According to a study posted in the National Library of Medicine, the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is a commonly used experimental animal model.

This is due to the hamsters' unique, complex anatomical and physiological features.

Due to their prevailing identity as the conventional rodents of choice, Syrian hamsters have been the recipient of various animal rights and animal welfare advocacies, which calls for the humane treatment of the animals.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that 98,296 hamsters were used in experimentation, research, testing, or teaching in 2019, as cited by the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) based in Chicago, Illinois.

Amongst these total experimental subjects, the USDA claims 35% of hamsters were used in painful procedures in the same year, with Syrian hamsters being the most commonly used rodent species, as mentioned by VAVS.