New RNA-Guided Endonucleases Succeed in Gene Knockout

Professor Lee Han-woong’s Research Team Pioneers Efficient Gene Knockout Technique

 A research team led by Professor Lee Han-woong (Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology) has created an efficient gene knockout technique in mice and zebrafish using RNA-guided endonucleases (RGENs). Undertaken by the National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Genomes, Chungnam National University’s Department of Biology, and the Yonsei Laboratory Animal Research Center, the joint-research project, according to Professor Lee, “will greatly expedite the creation of genetically engineered model organisms, accelerating functional genomic research,” while paving the way for the development of new drugs and advanced disease research.  The results of the project were published on November 19 in Genome Research (IF 14.397) under the title “Highly efficient gene knockout in mice and zebrafish with RNA-guided endonucleases.”  

 A “gene knockout” refers to a genetic technique in which a particular gene in an organism is made inoperative, allowing researchers to learn more about a sequenced gene whose function is not fully understood.  In creating this new technique, in which RGENs are injected into one-cell-stage embryos, Professor Lee and the research team reported being able to achieve a gene knockout in mice within six months, while ensuring a high-survival rate for the genetically-modified mice.  According to Professor Lee:  “This method of gene knockout in animals using RNA-guided endonucleases is highly significant, as RGENs can be produced more quickly and easily than enzymes created through protein engineering.  Applications of this method should serve to advance Korean research in life science and biotechnology, providing a firm foundation for catching up with developments in other parts of the world.”