Mutageneza mysich pierwotnych komórek zarodkowych (Embryonic Stem Cells)

Embryonic stem (ES) cells derived from preimplantation mouse embryo provide a powerfultool for genome manipulation in mammals. The two principal genetic approaches are used tomodify genomes of embryonic stem cells, which may be introduced into blastocyst to producechimeras, and these animals transmit the genetic alteration into the next generation. One approach, targeted mutagenesis, is designed to disrupt the function of specific murine genes thatare known by their homology to genes of other organisms. The other approach, gene trappingby randomly insertional mutagenesis, is designed to identify novel, developmentally regulatedgenes in mouse embryos. In vivo screens allow for the identification and studying of genes thatare expressed either within specific tissue or in spatiotemporal patterns. As an alternative to invivo gene study, gene expression within specific cell types may be monitored in different ES cellcultures.