Gene Knockout
Gene knockout is a technique used in molecular biology to study gene function. It involves disabling a gene by altering its DNA sequence, so that the gene can no longer produce a functional protein. Gene knockout is a powerful tool to understand gene function and its significance in diseases. It can be used to study the effects of genes on development, physiology and behaviour, and to identify targets for novel therapeutic interventions. The technique also allows researchers to create a ‘knockout mouse’, an animal model of a particular genetic condition. These animal models are used to identify and validate new therapeutic strategies for human diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
← Journal of Genetic Engineering