Zinkfingernukleaser

Zinkfingernukleaser is a synthetic enzyme engineered for gene editing applications. It combines a nuclease, an enzyme that cuts DNA, with a protein domain that recognizes and binds to specific DNA sequences. This DNA-binding domain is characterized by a zinc finger motif, hence the name "zinkfingernukleaser." These zinc finger arrays are designed to bind to precise, predetermined DNA sequences. When the zinkfingernukleaser is directed to a specific site in the genome, the nuclease component can then induce a double-strand break at that location.

The creation of zinkfingernukleaser technology allows for targeted modifications to the genome. By designing the zinc finger array to recognize a specific target sequence, researchers can precisely cleave DNA at that site. This targeted cleavage can then be exploited by the cell's own DNA repair mechanisms. If the cell repairs the break using homology-directed repair, a desired DNA sequence can be inserted or altered at the cleavage site. Alternatively, non-homologous end joining can lead to insertions or deletions, effectively inactivating a gene. Zinkfingernukleaser systems have been utilized in various research settings for gene knockouts, gene corrections, and the introduction of specific genetic alterations.