Mice with a planned alteration
in a specific gene are currently made by the circuitous route of
first altering the gene in embryonic stem (ES) cells by homologous
recombination. ES-cells are then injected into host embryos. Mice
that result from these embryos are bred with the hope of passing
on the altered gene to subsequent generations. We are developing
methods and tools to enable gene targeting in the one-celled mouse
zygote thereby directly producing mice carrying the desired genetic
alteration. Such technology would dramatically reduce the cost and
speed up development of mouse models of human diseases used in biomedical
research. In addition such technology should be applicable to other
mammals used for research, biotechnological, and livestock purposes
for which gene targeting is now impractical. |
