Group II intron-based gene targeting reactions in eukaryotes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mobile group II introns insert site-specifically into DNA target sites by a mechanism termed retrohoming in which the excised intron RNA reverse splices into a DNA strand and is reverse transcribed by the intron-encoded protein. Retrohoming is mediated by a ribonucleoprotein particle that contains the intron-encoded protein and excised intron RNA, with target specificity determined largely by base pairing of the intron RNA to the DNA target sequence. This feature enabled the development of mobile group II introns into bacterial gene targeting vectors ("targetrons") with programmable target specificity. Thus far, however, efficient group II intron-based gene targeting reactions have not been demonstrated in eukaryotes.

Methodology/principal findings

By using a plas

SUBMITTER: Mastroianni M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2518211 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature