Targeted plasmid integration into the human genome by an engineered zinc-finger recombinase.

TitleTargeted plasmid integration into the human genome by an engineered zinc-finger recombinase.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsCA Gersbach, T Gaj, RM Gordley, AC Mercer, and CF Barbas
JournalNucleic acids research
Volume39
Issue17
Start Page7868
Pagination7868 - 7878
Date Published09/2011
Abstract

The development of new methods for gene addition to mammalian genomes is necessary to overcome the limitations of conventional genetic engineering strategies. Although a variety of DNA-modifying enzymes have been used to directly catalyze the integration of plasmid DNA into mammalian genomes, there is still an unmet need for enzymes that target a single specific chromosomal site. We recently engineered zinc-finger recombinase (ZFR) fusion proteins that integrate plasmid DNA into a synthetic target site in the human genome with exceptional specificity. In this study, we present a two-step method for utilizing these enzymes in any cell type at randomly-distributed target site locations. The piggyBac transposase was used to insert recombinase target sites throughout the genomes of human and mouse cell lines. The ZFR efficiently and specifically integrated a transfected plasmid into these genomic target sites and into multiple transposons within a single cell. Plasmid integration was dependent on recombinase activity and the presence of recombinase target sites. This work demonstrates the potential for broad applicability of the ZFR technology in genome engineering, synthetic biology and gene therapy.

DOI10.1093/nar/gkr421
Short TitleNucleic acids research