Although pigs are used widely as models of human disease, their utility as models has been
enhanced by genetic engineering. Initially, transgenes were added randomly to the genome,
but with the application of homologous recombination, zinc finger nucleases, and
transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) technologies, now most any genetic
change that can be envisioned can be completed. To date these genetic modifications have
resulted in animals that have the potential to provide new insights into human diseases for …