BIOT 5438 - Transgenesis: Mammalian Genome Editing

Credit Hours: 3

This course will provide a comprehensive overview and current status of mammalian genome engineering, using the mouse as the primary model system, with discussions that also encompass genetic modification of large animals, fish and crops for commercial and retail applications. Students will learn the distinction between global and conditional knockouts, transgenics, reporters and lineage-tracers; the various applications of each type of genetic manipulation; and the techniques used for their generation such as embryonic stem cell manipulation, pronuclear microinjection and the more recent use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for site-directed mutagenesis, deletion or DNA insertion. The course will also focus on systematic evaluation of new genetically modified model organisms, with particular attention to such topics as experimental design, validation of models and identification of novel phenotypes. Research techniques such as histology, immunohistochemistry, and intravital microscopy will also be discussed.