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. This controversy heated up during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• 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⁾
• March 13, 2013 - Wang et al; A gain-of-function mutation in IAA8 alters Arabidopsis floral organ development by change of jasmonic acid level.⁶⁾
• 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.⁷⁾

GMWatch - February 19, 2022 By Professor Paul R. Goddard

Two myths have hindered investigations into the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: one, that viruses seldom escape from laboratories; and two, that most pandemics are zoonotic, caused by a natural spillover of a virus from animals to humans. Promoters of the first myth include the World Health Organization (WHO).⁸⁾

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.⁹⁾