- Isogenic mutants are genetically engineered organisms or cell lines that are identical to their parental (wild-type) counterparts in every aspect of their genome, except for a specific, intentional mutation.
- The term “isogenic” means “having the same genes,” which highlights the fact that these mutants differ from the original strain or cell line by only a single genetic alteration. This alteration may involve a gene deletion, insertion, or point mutation, and is typically introduced through precise gene-editing methods.
- These mutants are highly valuable in experimental research because they allow scientists to study the function of specific genes in a controlled genetic background. Since the only variable between the wild type and the isogenic mutant is the gene of interest, any observed phenotypic differences can be confidently attributed to that specific genetic change. This makes isogenic mutants especially useful in gene function studies, investigations of disease mechanisms, drug resistance, and biological processes such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- Isogenic mutants are commonly created using gene-editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9, homologous recombination, or transposon mutagenesis (particularly in microbial systems). After the targeted genetic modification is introduced, researchers use clonal selection and rigorous screening to ensure that no off-target mutations have occurred, maintaining the genetic identity of the mutant with its wild-type origin aside from the intended alteration.
