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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Processing of Human Cardiac Tissue Toward Extracellular Matrix Self-assembling Hydrogel for In Vitro and In Vivo Applications
Published on: December 4, 2017
Tissue-specific KO of ECM proteins.
Mara Brancaccio1, Emila Turco, Emilio Hirsch
1Department of Genetics, Biology and Biochemistry, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
Gene targeting in embryonic stem cells is crucial for understanding gene function in the postgenomic era. Recent advances have made generating transgenic mice for studying cell adhesion and migration genes faster and easier.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Gene targeting in embryonic stem cells is a vital tool for understanding gene function.
- Extracellular matrix proteins and their receptors play critical roles in cellular processes.
- A genetic approach is essential for deciphering the functions of numerous genes in these pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in gene-targeting technology.
- To highlight the application of gene targeting in studying genes related to cell adhesion and migration.
- To emphasize the importance of generating mutant alleles for protein function analysis.
Main Methods:
- Homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells for gene targeting.
- Development of recombineering techniques in bacteria.
- Utilizing the mouse genome sequence for efficient targeting.
Main Results:
- Gene targeting has become more accessible and efficient.
- Transgenic mouse generation is faster and easier.
- Advances facilitate the study of genes involved in cell adhesion and migration.
Conclusions:
- Gene targeting remains a cutting-edge technology for the postgenomic era.
- Recent technological improvements have democratized gene targeting.
- This approach is invaluable for dissecting the roles of extracellular matrix genes in cell biology.
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