Knock-out mouse
A knock-out mouse is a transgenic tool used to study
the phenotype of a mouse when a gene is “knocked-out” or replaced with a gene
knock-out. A gene knock-out is a vector
containing a segment of manipulated DNA that does not produce a viable
product. This vector is created
with flanking regions
that are homologous to the area of the chromosome where one wishes the manipulated gene to integrate.
When this vector is introduced into the embryonic stem cell of a mouse it
undergoes replication as the embryonic stem cell divides. In a small number of the divided cells
it replaces the original gene segment through a process known as homologous
recombination. A good animation of
homologous recombination is at
http://genetics.hannam.ac.kr/lecture/rec-1.htm
Within the introduced vector is a marker, usually a
sequence that encodes for a protein.
This protein will enable the host cell to be resistant to some sort of
drug. Through this process the
cells, in which the vector was integrated and those in which it was not, are
screened. A good illustration of
this screening process is shown in the figure below.
As seen, the replacement vector has been introduced and
through homologous recombination, the vector has been integrated into the
chromosome. A sequence for
resistance to neomycin has been placed in the vector, allowing for positive
selection. In order to make sure of
homologous recombination, opposed to random insertion, gancyclovir is
introduced. With the introduction
of gancyclovir, negative selection screens the rest of the cells with random
insertion. This is due to the
original gene sequence`s sensivity to gancyclovir .
After it has been found that the
knock out gene has been integrated in the appropiate place, the stem cells are
then introduced into another embryo.
This is where the breeding of a knock-out line begins. A good illustration and explanation of
the breeding process was available at the
Thus, at the end of the breeding
line, the knock-out gene is expressed. The mouse shows, in the complete absence
of a viable copy of the gene, what function the gene had.
Knock-in mouse
A
knock-in mouse is similar to a knock-out mouse in the process by which the gene
is introduced and the mechanisms in order to check for homologous recombination
of the gene. However, with a
knock-in mouse, a specific allele, or locus or base sequence is manipulated in
order to observe specific functions within the gene. An example pointed out by Dr. Evans of
the Clinical Cancer Genetics Services at the University of
North Carolina Hospital is delta f 508, the most common mutation in cystic
fibrosis. Within knock-in mice,
this allele is usually over expressed in order to study its effects upon the
morphology and physiology of mice.
Thus, knock-in mice are more specific for mutations of specific alleles
or locus within the gene. Also, knock-in mice produce a viable genetic product
such as an altered protein. Viability and specificity within knock-in mice are
the points of contrast to knock-out mice.
Since it`s inception some decades ago knock-out mice have
enabled scientist to understand the function of a gene in the absence of its
function. However, as genetic
engineering has progressed scientist are now able to make more precise
manipulations of a single allele within a gene. Thus, specific functions of the gene,
opposed to only the functional absence, can be studied using knock-in mice.
I would like to thank Dr Jim Evans of The Clinical Cancer Genetics Services at the
University of North Carolina Hospital and Dr. David Threadgill of
I would also like to thank MITA for allowing me to
undertake this small task, and Professor Barron for not accepting my answer on
mere faith alone.
If you are interested in knowing more specifics about
knock out and knock-in mice please check out the following links:
This is a great website
that gives a very general overview through its reference sources, as well as a
very specific analysis through its journal library. Only downfall is that you need a
membership. However, you can apply
for a 10 day free membership at the website.
http://meds.queensu.ca/medicine/crl/greer/kno_pag.htm
If my explanation was not
good enough, this lab gives a short discussion as to what knock-out and
knock-in mice are and how they are made.
http://genetics.hannam.ac.kr/lecture/Mgen02/Recombination.htm
http://www.genoway.com/service.htm
A pharmaceutical
company that explains the advantages of knock-in mice over other transgenic
methods, and also lists some specific knock-in mutations they have readily
available