Gain-of-Function (Research)

In virology and microbiology, gain-of-function (GoF) research includes methods and experiments that aim to produce gain or loss of function in a virus or organism.¹⁾ Some GoF research involves the creation of a chimera (“chimeric organism”).

Due both to the rapidly developing nature of GoF research and policy changes affecting the field, terminology associated with the field has changed quickly over the years.²⁾

Due to the profound effects of GoF research, including biowarfare, policy groups in and out of government debate the nature of GoF research hotly.

• Aug 15, 2003 - Kuo et al; Gain-of-function mutations indicate that Escherichia coli Kch forms a functional K+ conduit in vivo.³⁾
• May 2, 2012 - Imai et al; Experimental adaptation of an influenza H5 HA confers respiratory droplet transmission to a reassortant H5 HA/H1N1 virus in ferrets.⁴⁾
• June 22, 2012 - Herfst et al; Airborne Transmission of Influenza A/H5N1 Virus Between Ferrets.⁵⁾
• Nov 30, 2017 - Hu et al; Discovery of a rich gene pool of bat SARS-related coronaviruses provides new insights into the origin of SARS coronavirus.⁶⁾

On October 17, 2013, The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Department of Health and Human Services announced a detailed review into gain-of-function research, and a pause on such research.⁷⁾