Genetic engineering

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Expert:

Elham Yektadost


Genetic Engineering and Molecular Cloning

Genetic engineering encompasses techniques that enable the introduction of specific traits into organisms or the production of desired products through artificial means. These techniques, collectively referred to as molecular cloning, involve the isolation, purification, insertion, and expression of specific genes in host organisms.

Molecular Cloning Definition

Molecular cloning describes the process of extracting a DNA sequence from one organism and inserting it into the DNA molecule or genome of another. The resulting recombinant DNA molecule containing foreign genes is called a clone.

Gene Cloning Procedure

  1. Target Gene Selection

  2. Gene Isolation

  3. Gene Insertion into Vector

  4. Gene Amplification in Host

  5. Vector Transfer to Target Cells

  6. Target Cell Propagation

Cloning Applications

  • DNA fragment amplification

  • Gene identification and mapping

  • DNA sequencing

  • Promoter and regulatory sequence analysis

  • Recombinant protein production

  • Gene therapy

  • Transgenic organism development

  • Viral vaccine production

  • Diagnostic kit development

  • Microbial fermentation (antibiotic synthesis)

  • Hormone production

Our laboratory employs advanced techniques including Gateway cloning, Gibson assembly, and CRISPR to create genetically modified constructs for specific research objectives.

CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Technology

CRISPR-Cas9 represents a rapid, cost-effective, and highly precise genome editing tool capable of deleting, inserting, or replacing genomic segments. This bacterial-derived adaptive immune system functions as molecular scissors for targeted DNA modification.

CRISPR-Cas9 Components

  1. Cas9 Endonuclease - Molecular scissors creating double-strand breaks at specific genomic loci

  2. Guide RNA (gRNA) - 20-nucleotide RNA directing Cas9 to target sequences

CRISPR Applications

  • Treatment of genetic disorders (cancer, hepatitis B, hypercholesterolemia)

  • Editing of both somatic and germline cells

  • Potential to revolutionize:

    • Precision medicine

    • Agricultural biotechnology

    • Pharmaceutical development

    • Industrial bioprocessing

This groundbreaking technology enables fundamental transformations across healthcare, agriculture, and biotechnology sectors through precise genomic modifications.