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Expanding the scope of site-specific recombinases for genetic and metabolic engineering.

ABSTRACT: Site-specific recombinases are tremendously valuable tools for basic research and genetic engineering. By promoting high-fidelity DNA modifications, site-specific recombination systems have empowered researchers with unprecedented control over diverse biological functions, enabling countless insights into cellular structure and function. The rigid target specificities of many sites-specific recombinases, however, have limited their adoption in fields that require highly flexible recognition abilities. As a result, intense effort has been directed toward altering the properties of site-specific recombination systems by protein engineering. Here, we review key developments in the rational design and directed molecular evolution of site-specific recombinases, highlighting the numerous applications of these enzymes across diverse fields of study.

SUBMITTER: Gaj T

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4097888 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Expanding the scope of site-specific recombinases for genetic and metabolic engineering.

Gaj Thomas T Sirk Shannon J SJ Barbas Carlos F CF

Biotechnology and bioengineering 20130913 1

Site-specific recombinases are tremendously valuable tools for basic research and genetic engineering. By promoting high-fidelity DNA modifications, site-specific recombination systems have empowered researchers with unprecedented control over diverse biological functions, enabling countless insights into cellular structure and function. The rigid target specificities of many sites-specific recombinases, however, have limited their adoption in fields that require highly flexible recognition abil ...[more]

PMID: 23982993

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