RheoGene launches novel gene-targeting enzymes

The new enzymes, named AttSite Recombinases, catalyze the irreversible integration or excision of DNA sequences at specific locations within the genome, with broad applications in functional genomics, transgenics technology, biotherapeutic protein production and stem cell and gene therapy.

AttSite Recombinases have been hailed as representing a new generation of gene-targeting tools. Thomas Tillett, RheoGene CEO, said: “Each AttSite enzyme recognizes a different DNA sequence, therefore different enzyme combinations can be used to reproducibly introduce multiple genes into the same site in the genome, or into different sites in the same cell.”

“The ability to precisely control where, when and how alterations are made in the genome has been a significant roadblock to studying gene function and understanding the genetic basis of disease,” added Dr Alan Russell, chairman of RheoGene’s scientific advisory board.

“The ability to make targeted genetic modifications at stable, well-characterized loci is critical to advancing the fields of stem cell and gene therapy, where reliability and reproducibility are essential to creating safe and effective therapeutic products for patients with incurable diseases such as cancer, macular degeneration and Parkinson’s disease.”