ISSN:
1420-9071
Keywords:
Transgenic mice
;
microinjection
;
recombinant DNA
;
gene expression
;
transcription factors
;
chromatin
;
homologous recombination
;
episomal maintenance
;
embryonic stem cells
;
germ line
;
position-effect
;
mosaicism
;
globin genes
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract This chapter is an attempt to summarize some commonly accepted and some more subjective opinions about the regulation of transgene expression in laboratory animals. After a short historical introduction, I present some general notions regarding gene structure/function. The spotlight shifts then to the description of the most popular techniques for gene transfer, including the targeted gene replacement. The different approaches are briefly discussed in terms of intrinsic advantages and limitations regarding gene expression patterns. Furthermore, the role of enhancers, promoters and othercis-acting elements such as silencers and dominant control regions as well as their involvement in the chromatin on-off state are discussed on the basis of a specific example studied in our laboratory. The review concludes by presenting recent results and the new perspectives opening in the field of ‘surrogate’ (also called ‘reversed’) genetics. Some problems which remain to be solved both at the technical as well as at the social-ethical level are also briefly presented.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01929876
Permalink