Gene Knockout: the Technology of Gene Targeting

The technology of gene knockout is based on gene targeting, a useful technique that utilizes homologous recombination to modify the genome of a living organism primordially developed in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. During this process an in vitro engineered exogenous DNA fragment is transformed into a cell in order to permanently modify targeted genomic counterpart creating a selectable and heritable genomic change. This property allows extensive utilization of such a technological approach in both basic and applied research.