Knock in to knock out

Kinases are often part of a complex and adaptable cell signaling network, which makes target validation challenging. Cellular Genomics Inc. believes it can speed up kinase target validation using its analog sensitive kinase allele (ASKA) knock-in mice. Serono S.A. last week signed a deal with CGI to use the technology in its drug discovery.

CGI (Branford, Conn.) uses chemical genetics to make ASKA kinases, in effect inserting a re-usable switch that allows researchers to selectively turn a kinase off and back on at will. By itself, however, the ASKA switch does not change the kinase's functionality, according to the company...