MRE11 and RAD50, but not NBS1, are essential for gene targeting in the moss Physcomitrella patens.

ABSTRACT: The moss Physcomitrella patens is unique among plant models for the high frequency with which targeted transgene insertion occurs via homologous recombination. Transgene integration is believed to utilize existing machinery for the detection and repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). We undertook targeted knockout of the Physcomitrella genes encoding components of the principal sensor of DNA DSBs, the MRN complex. Loss of function of PpMRE11 or PpRAD50 strongly and specifically inhibited gene targeting, whilst rates of untargeted transgene integration were relatively unaffected. In contrast, disruption of the PpNBS1 gene retained the wild-type capacity to integrate transforming DNA efficiently at homologous loci. Analysis of the kinetics of DNA-DSB repair in wild-type and mutant plants

SUBMITTER: Kamisugi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3333855 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature