Gene Knockout: New Approach to the Physiology of Cytokines

Abstract

Advances in the last decade in both molecular biology and mammalian embryology make it possible to study gene structure-function relationships in new ways. Cloning techniques have become routine and the body of genomically cloned genes is increasing daily. With reliable DNA transfection methods like DNA microinjection or electroporation it is possible to transfer altered genes into established cell lines, where they can stably integrate into chromosomes [1--4]. For studies of gene function in vivo, genetic material can be introduced into mice and other species; such transgenics are in wide use for studying overexpression of gene products [5] and promoter function [6] or for expression of inhibitory molecules [7].