Sigma-Aldrich group advances gene modification among rats

Sigma-Aldrich has revealed that its Sigma Life Science division has created the world's first rats to have foreign genes inserted in a precisely targeted manner.

Utilising Sigma Life Science's CompoZr Zinc Finger Nuclease technology, researchers at the firm's SAGE labs have engineered "knock-in" rats with green fluorescent proteins inserted into their genes, enabling them to glow in certain lighting conditions.

This represents a new advance in sophisticated genetic engineering of higher level organisms and could pave the way for a new wave of transgenic animals for use as predictive models in human disease research.

Sigma Life Science now intends to produce several off-the-shelf rat models for use in future medical research, as well as creating customised specimens for specific needs.

Dr Edward Weinstein, director of SAGE Labs at Sigma Life Science, said: "This exciting advance is another example of how Sigma Life Science is pushing the limits of technology, establishing what we believe will become the new standard for the creation of genetically-engineered research animals."

Last month, Sigma Life Science announced that its portfolio of Prestige Antibodies for protein research has been expanded to include more than 10,000 offerings.