Biopolymers and cell. 2003; 19 (3): 211 - 215

The methods of targeted gene modifications in mammalian developmental studies, problems and prospects

O. V. Anopriyenko, A. V. Evsikov

During past years, the main stream of developmental studies shifted towards the analysis of distinct genes role during embryogenesis. The development of mouse ES cell technology stimulated the use of modern molecular methods in these investigations. The review is focused on the principles, potency and prospects of such procedures as targeted modification of specific genes by homologous recombination, chromosome manipulation by the Crc-LoxP system, and «gene trapping» strategy.