Abstract

Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) are a class of engineered DNA -binding proteins that facilitate targeted editing of the genome by creating double-strand breaks in DNA at user-specified locations. Double-strand breaks are important for site-specific mutagenesis in that they stimulate the cell’s natural DNA -repair processes, namely homologous recombination and Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ). Using well-established and robust protocols, these cellular processes can be harnessed to generate precisely targeted genomic edits resulting in cell lines, including somatic cell lines, with targeted gene deletions (Knockouts), integrations, or modifications. Sigma® Life Science has applied the revolutionary CompoZr® Zinc Finger Nuclease technology to create an unparalleled range of genetically modified mammalian cell lines , rat, mouse and rat models and most recently engineered human inducible pluripotent stem cell lines (iPSCs) for use in areas such as basic research, target validation, drug discovery and drug development.