Researchers Engineered FGF2 Autocrine Signaling to Reduce High Costs in Cultivated Meat Production

Researchers from Tufts University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have successfully engineered autocrine signaling to reduce fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), which causes substantial high costs of media components in cultivated meat. The findings of the study published in Cell Reports Sustainability offer an alternative approach to lowering the costs of growth factor requirements.

Cultivated meat, also known as cultured meat or cell-based meat, is a promising technology that aims to reduce the environmental impact of meat production through cell culture. However, the market entry of cultivated meat is hampered by high costs brought about by cell culture media. Hence, the researchers said they engineered bovine muscle stem cells to reduce the need for FGF2.

The researchers suggest that various steps should also be taken to render this approach safe for use in food. Along with the benefits in growth, differentiation, and cost, the researchers also emphasized the importance of addressing public consideration of genetic modifications from a regulatory and consumer standpoint.

For more information, read the article from Cell Reports Sustainability.