We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Science

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Gene Targeting?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,540
References
Share

Gene targeting is the use of genetic recombination technology to alter genetic sequences in embryonic stem cells. After a scientist alters the genome, it is possible to introduce the cells to a developing embryo in a procedure called embryonic injection. The embryo will be a chimera, with a mixture of the altered and regular cells. The scientist can use embryos with the target genes in their reproductive cells to develop animals that express, or don't express, the desired gene.

The first step in gene targeting is the identification of a given gene. This requires gene sequencing technology and hypotheses about which areas of the genome contain coding DNA with active genes, and what those genes do. The scientist can engineer a new strand of DNA with a vector to carry it and latch on to the desired section of the genome. This involves the use of complex scientific equipment in a controlled environment.

The new strand of DNA may silence a gene, the first step in creating what is known as knock-out. This is most commonly used in mice, because they are popular for research, and an engineered mouse of this type may be known as a “knock-out mouse.” The organism will not express the given gene, which can result in the development of a genetic disorder or a variation in the physical appearance of the animal. This information can help researchers pinpoint the genes involved in genetic disorders, and learn what individual genes do.

It is also possible to create a knock-in organism, where the gene targeting inserts new DNA. The DNA will express itself and can change the animal's physical traits. In both cases, the researcher usually inserts a tag to be able to identify successful gene targeting. If a scientist wants to know whether inserted DNA is present in a cell, it is possible to check for this tag using DNA sequencing technology. This is important for procedures where researchers want to confirm that they are working with an organism that contains the desired DNA.

Researchers can use gene targeting in a number of applications. These can include research on disease and congenital disorders, as well as experiments to explore the possibilities of gene therapy. In gene therapy, scientists can insert DNA into mature organisms to change the way their genomes express. This technology has the potential to treat a variety of conditions, like enzyme deficiencies, where the inserted DNA can tell the body to start coding the missing enzyme.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-gene-targeting.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.