Investigators insert large DNA sequence into mammalian cells
For the first time, researchers have used a simplified technique derived from a defense mechanism evolved by bacteria and other single-celled organisms to successfully insert a large DNA sequence into a predetermined genomic site in mammalian cells.
The methods used may help investigators genetically engineer cells to produce high levels of certain proteins--for example by placing the DNA sequence of a particular protein at the site of a highly active gene.
"The CRISPR-Cas system has been previously used to insert a foreign DNA sequence into a targeted genomic site in mammalian cells via a process of recombination. Here we showed that the insertion could be performed using a simplified end joining process," said Dr. Lawrence Chasin, senior author of the Biotechnology and Bioengineering study. "This simplification may prove especially useful for high throughput targeting approaches."
The methods used may help investigators genetically engineer cells to produce high levels of certain proteins--for example by placing the DNA sequence of a particular protein at the site of a highly active gene.
"The CRISPR-Cas system has been previously used to insert a foreign DNA sequence into a targeted genomic site in mammalian cells via a process of recombination. Here we showed that the insertion could be performed using a simplified end joining process," said Dr. Lawrence Chasin, senior author of the Biotechnology and Bioengineering study. "This simplification may prove especially useful for high throughput targeting approaches."
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