Citation | Martin Evans has developed three new systems for studying mammalian developmental genetics. Two have been adopted world-wide. He defined the conditions for taking genetically homogeneous cultures of teratocarcinoma stem cells through differentiation in an orderly sequence, for bulk analysis of gene expression. With Dr. M.H. Kaufman, he isolated mouse embryonic stem cells which could contribute to the germ line after indefinite propagation and specific modification of the genome. This dramatic advance enabled him to create many new mutations, including models of human disease. His group has isolated similar embryonic cells from the pig, sheep, and cow: if they colonize the germ line, then they will greatly change the genetic management of farm stock. |