Efficient exogenous DNA-free reprogramming with suicide gene vectors

Abstract

Stem cells: Cleaner generation by selective killing Using genetic engineering to convert cells into stem cells without leaving unwanted foreign DNA behind is made easier and more effective by a method that allows cells acquiring unwanted DNA to be selectively killed. Janghwan Kim, Mi-Young Son and colleagues at the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, included a cell “suicide” gene in the DNA carrier that is used to transfer desired genes into cells. The suicide gene codes for an enzyme that converts an inactive drug into its active form. If undesired DNA from the carrier integrates into the cell DNA, as occasionally occurs, the action of the suicide gene selectively kills the affected cells. The method will improve the supply of stem cells that are used to study disease, test new drugs, and carry out research on correcting genetic diseases.