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Updated: May 16, 2026

Selection-dependent and Independent Generation of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Gene Knockouts in Mammalian Cells
Published on: June 16, 2017
Two distinct knockout approaches highlight a critical role for p53 in rat development
Masaki Kawamata1, Takahiro Ochiya
1Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute , 1-1, Tsukiji, 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.
The tumor suppressor p53 is crucial for normal embryogenesis in rats, preventing developmental defects and maintaining genomic stability in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Its absence leads to embryonic lethality and neural tube defects, particularly in females.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Gene targeting in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is key for creating knockout models.
- Previous studies suggested p53 disruption increases developmental anomalies, but knockout mice often develop normally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of p53 in animal development using rat knockout models.
- To understand p53's function in maintaining embryonic stem cell quality and genomic integrity.
Main Methods:
- Generation of conventionally produced p53 knockout rats.
- Creation of p53-null ESC-derived rat chimeras via blastocyst injection.
- Utilized zinc-finger nucleases for efficient gene editing.
Main Results:
- Homozygous p53 knockout male rats developed normally; females exhibited neural tube defects and reduced survival.
- p53-null ESC chimeras showed high embryonic lethality in both sexes.
- p53-null ESCs were resistant to apoptosis and differentiation, displaying genomic instability.
Conclusions:
- p53 plays a critical role in safeguarding embryogenesis in rats.
- p53 is essential for maintaining the quality and genomic integrity of embryonic stem cells.
- The function of p53 in development differs between mice and rats.
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