Gene Targeting

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Gene Targeting

• Alyssa, Cameron, and Tony

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Gene Targeting
(replacement strategy based on homologous
recombination)

• Homologous recombination genetic exchange
  between two similar strands of DNA
• Endogenous Gene any gene found naturally within
  an organism

A technique that uses homologous recombination to
change an endogenous gene, usually inactivation
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Homologous Recombination
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Gene Knockout How-To
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Gene Knockout How To
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History
Mario Renato Capecchi
1937 - Present

• Born in Italy, Mario matriculated from Harvard,
  while under Watson, and currently works in the
  U.S. of A.
• Mario is known for his work in the field of gene
  targeting of mouse embryo-derived stem cells.
• Was awarded the 2007 Nobel Prize for Medicine for
  his work in this field, along with his
  coinvestigators Martin Evans and Olivia Smithies.

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Knockout Mice
A genetically engineered mouse in which one or
more genes have been turned off through gene
knockout.

• Genetic testing of mouse genes
• Example Disable immune cell proteins to prevent
  innate immune response.

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Positives

• By being able to selectively knockout certain
  genes, and determine how genotype affects
  phenotype.
• Knockin allows the addition of specific genes
  into a genome, conferring their properties to the
  host.
• Funny Pictures

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Negatives

• Animal Rights
• Use of knockout mice may be considered inhumane,
  as mice can have important genes removed. Might
  introduce diseases or problems.
• Stem Cells
• Some religious organizations have objections to
  the use of embryonic stem cells. Many other
  groups disagree with their use as well.

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