Abstract
Publisher Summary This chapter describes methods for the design and isolation of gene-targeted and gene-trapped embryonic stem (ES) cell lines. In addition, morula aggregation, a procedure alternative to the classic microinjection of ES cells into the blastocysts, is described, and its performance is discussed in comparison with microinjection methods. Adult mice develop normally from these embryos and ES cells contribute to all tissues, including the germline. The unique characteristics allow the introduction of foreign DNA, the screening for rare integration events in ES cells, and the generation of ES cell-derived mouse strains. This strategy has been successfully used for gene targeting by homologous recombination, which has become a powerful tool to study gene function. By this procedure, designed mutations are introduced into particular genes, and mouse lines carrying the mutated allele are generated. In addition, ES cells have been used for the random mutagenesis of the mouse genome by the insertion of gene and enhancer trap vectors.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
