Bernard,
It seems an efficient way to manipulate individual genes, but until we find out which genes must be manipulated to affect a disease state, utility is limited for therapeutic applications. It does seem useful for genomic research.
Most ZFPs bind in the major groove of DNA. But they can have different residues: most ZFPs have two cysteine residues and two histidine residues, while the steroid receptor class has four cysteine residues.
James Watson, et. al. in the book "Recombinant DNA," say that "Hundreds of genes that encode zinc finger proteins exist in the mammalian genome." For what that's worth. There are several structural motifs in the binding domains of transcription factors. It might be more useful when the workings of the activation domains are better characterized? I'm just noodling here.
Bottom line, not sure yet. Rick has looked at this a little bit, but I know of no other trained biofreaks who have looked at it, much less passed judgement.
Anyhow, SGMO continues its run, up another 20%.
Edit: Wow, thought about daytrading ALXN at $13. Shoulda coulda woulda. Now $15.
Cheers, Tuck |
