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Generation of Genomic Deletions in Mammalian Cell Lines via CRISPR/Cas9

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Published on: January 3, 2015

Natural genetic engineering: A programmed chromosome/DNA elimination.

Malgorzata Kloc¹, Jacek Z Kubiak², Rafik M Ghobrial³

¹The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA; The Houston Methodist Hospital, Department of Surgery, Houston, TX, USA; The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Genetics Houston, TX, USA.

Developmental Biology

|March 24, 2022

Summary

Chromosome and DNA elimination, a programmed process, leads to different genomes within organisms. This phenomenon explains variations between cell types, sexes, and organs, impacting genetic diversity.

Keywords:

B chromosomes Chromosome drive Chromosome elimination Diminution Gene silencing Programmed DNA elimination Repetitive sequences Super-mendelian inheritance

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Mouse Genome Engineering Using Designer Nucleases

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Area of Science:

Genetics
Developmental Biology
Cell Biology

Background:

Typically, somatic and germ cells within an organism share identical genomes.
Exceptions exist, where different cell types, organs, or sexes possess distinct genomic content.
Chromosome/DNA elimination (or chromatin diminution) is a natural, programmed mechanism causing these genomic differences.

Purpose of the Study:

To review and describe the phenomenon of chromosome/DNA elimination across diverse organisms.
To present current hypotheses regarding the origins and mechanisms of DNA elimination.
To discuss the biological significance and consequences of programmed genome alterations.

Main Methods:

Literature review and synthesis of existing research on chromosome/DNA elimination.
Comparative analysis of DNA elimination across various species.
Examination of proposed molecular and genetic mechanisms.

Main Results:

Documented instances of chromosome/DNA elimination in numerous organisms, affecting various cell lineages.
Identified common patterns and variations in elimination processes.
Summarized hypotheses concerning the evolutionary origins and functional roles.

Conclusions:

Chromosome/DNA elimination is a significant biological process contributing to genomic diversity within individuals.
Understanding its mechanisms is crucial for comprehending development, evolution, and genetic regulation.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex origins, precise mechanisms, and broad consequences.