Technical Details:
Using somatic cell gene targeting, isogenic cell clones were created from the colorectal cancer cell line RKO. Each KO cell line differed only in the allelic status of one Fanconi Anemia (FA) gene, either FANCC or FANCG. For details, see publication by Gallmeier, E et al., 2006.
Looking for Partners:
DNA-interstrand crosslinking (ICL) drugs are a popular and effective treatment against cancer. Currently, there is a push to identify and develop novel compounds with ICL capabilities but existing screening assays lack sensitivity, are complicated and time consuming. JHU researchers have developed a series of FA knock-out cell lines that can be used to identify novel DNA-interstrand crosslinking compounds that selectively kill cancer cells with FA gene mutations. These cell lines could also be used to develop novel compounds to which only cells with defects in the FA pathway are resistant, thereby creating a diagnostic test for FA.
