利用FLP/frt重组系统产生无选择标记的转基因烟草植株

在植物转基因植株产生过程中,对转化细胞进行抗性筛选是通用程序,转化细胞的抗性一般是抗生素抗性或除草剂抗性,将赋予转化细胞抗性的选择标记基因删除是提高转基因植物生物安全性的重要措施。来自于啤酒酵母的FLP/frt位点特异性重组系统可有效删除同向定点重组位点frt之间的基因。通过多步骤重组,建立了可在植物中广泛应用的FLP/frt位点特异性重组系统。该系统包括含有frt位点的植物表达载体pCAMBIA1300-betA-frt-als-frt和含有由热诱导启动子hsp启动的FLP重组酶基因的植物表达载体pCAMBIA1300-hsp-FLP-hpt。利用二次转化的方式将二者先后转入烟草植株,热激处理后,热诱导型启动子hsp调控的重组酶FLP基因的表达催化位于选择标记基因als两侧同向frt位点间的重组反应,有效地删除了选择标记基因als。41%的经热激处理的二次转化植株发生了选择标记基因的删除,表明该系统在获得无选择标记基因的转基因植株中有很好的应用价值。     

Production of Marker-free Transgenic Tobacco Plants by FLP/frt Recombination System

Selectable marker genes that usually encode antibiotic or herbicide resistances are widely used for the selection of transgenic plants, but they become unnecessary and undesirable after transformation selection. An important strategy to improve the transgenic plants' biosafety is to eliminate the marker genes after successful selection. In the FLP/frt site-specific system of 2-μm plasmid from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the FLP enzyme efficiently catalyzes recombination between two directly repeated FLP recombination target (frt) sites, eliminating the sequence between them. By controlled expression of the FLP recombinase and specific allocation of the frt sites within transgenic constructs, the system can be applied to eliminate the marker genes after selection. Through a series of procedures, the plant FLP/frt site-specific recombination system was constructed, which included the frt-containing vector pCAMBIA1300-betA-frt-als-frt and the FLP expression vector pCAMBIA1300-hsp-FLP-hpt. The FLP recombinase gene was introduced into transgenic (betA-frt-als-frt) tobacco plants by re-transformation. In re-transgenic plants, after heat-shock treatment, the marker gene als flanked by two identical orientation frt sites could be excised by the inducible expression of FLP recombinase under the control of hsp promoter. Excision of the als gene was found in 41 % re-transgenic tobacco plants, which indicated that this system could make a great contribution obtaining the marker-free transgenic plants.     

FLP-mediated site-specific recombination in microinjected murine zygotes

The FLP recombinase of yeast catalyses site-specific recombination between repeated FLP recombinase target (FRT) elements in yeast and in heterologous system (Escherichia coli, Drosophila, mosquito and cultured mammalian cells). In this report, it is shown that transient FLP recombinase expression can recombine and activate an extrachromosomal silent reporter gene following coinjection into fertilized one-cell mouse eggs. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that introduction of a FLP-recombinase expression vector into transgenic one-cell fertilized mouse eggs induces a recombination event at a chromosomal FRT target locus. The resulting event occured at the one-cell stage and deleted a chromosomal tandem array of a FRT containinglacZ expression cassette down to one or two copies. These results demonstrate that the FLP recombinase can be utilized to manipulate the genome of transgenic animals and suggest that FLP recombinase-mediated plasmid-to-chromosome targeting is feasible in microinjected eggs.     

DNA重组酶FLP原核表达与多步法纯化及其活性检测

DNA重组酶FLP存在于酵母2μ质粒上,能识别34bp的FRT位点,并根据2个FRT位点的相对方向完成位点间DNA序列的交换、重组、删除与逆转,在现代分子生物学理论研究与基因工程技术开发中具有广泛应用。构建了在原核大肠杆菌中高效表达FLP重组酶的表达载体pQE32-flpe并建立起相应的原核高效表达体系,在原核细菌大肠杆菌M15菌株中实现FLP酶蛋白的高效表达,同时建立了相应的纯化方法。纯化时先用硫酸铵沉淀法富集FLP酶蛋白,经透析脱盐后再用镍离子鳌合微柱(0.5~1.0mL)亲合层析梯度洗脱的方法获得纯化的FLP酶蛋白。通过构建含有2个方向相同的FRT序列位点的质粒pUC18-FRT-gfp-FRT和含有1个FRT位点的表达载体pET30a-FRT,并分别以其为底物来检测FLP重组酶的删除、交换与重组功能的活性。结果表明,该方法不仅能有效表达FLP酶蛋白,并能行之有效地纯化FLP酶蛋白,以及检测纯化的FLP酶蛋白对DNA序列的删除、重组与交换功能。该方法简单易行并能获得有活性的FLP酶蛋白,为深入研究其机理以及研发相应的DNA重组技术提供重要参考。     

Mini-Tn7 vectors as genetic tools for gene cloning at a single copy number in an industrially important and phytopathogenic bacteria, Xanthomonas spp.

Transposon mini-Tn 7 vectors insert into the chromosome of several Gram-negative bacteria in a site-specific manner. Here, we showed the application of mini-Tn 7 as single copy site-specific integration vector system for Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris . The transposition of the mini-Tn 7 into the bacterial genome was detected at a Tn 7 attachment ( att Tn 7 ) site located downstream of glmS1 . Furthermore, using a newly constructed vector pBBR1FLP2 containing the flipase (FLP) recombinase for site-specific excision of the sequence between the FLP recombinase target (FRT) sites, and a sacB counter selection marker, an unmarked mini-Tn 7 insertion mutant was created. Mini-Tn 7 insertion did not affect bacterial virulence on the tested plant. The mini-Tn 7 and FLP–FRT systems also work well in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae .     

Chimeric retroviral helper virus and picornavirus IRES sequence to eliminate DNA methylation for improved retroviral packaging cells

Most retroviral packaging cell lines were established by a helper virus plasmid cotransfected with a separate plasmid encoding a selection marker. Since this selection marker coexisted in trans with the helper virus sequence, helper virus gene expression could be inactivated by host DNA methylation despite selection for the cotransfected selection marker. We have reported that DNA methylation could occur in the long terminal repeat (LTR) region of helper virus in vector producer cells (VPC) in up to 2% of the population per day (W. B. Young, G. L. Lindberg, and C. J. Link, Jr., J. Virol. 74:3177-3187, 2000). To overcome host cell DNA methylation that suppresses viral gene expression, we constructed a chimeric retroviral helper virus, pAM3-IRES-Zeo, that contains Moloney murine leukemia virus as a helper virus and a picornavirus internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence followed by a Zeocin selection marker at the 3' end of the env sequence. This pAM3-IRES-Zeo permitted selection for intact and functional helper virus in transfected cells without subcloning. By selection with Zeocin, a mixed population of pAM3-IRES-Zeo-transfected NIH3T3 cells (AMIZ cells) was maintained with little or no DNA methylation of the helper virus 5' LTR. The high level of pAM3-IRES-Zeo gene expression resulted in no detectable vector superinfection and in high vector titers (2 x 10(6) to 1.5 x 10(7) CFU/ml) after introduction of a retroviral vector. When Zeocin selection was withdrawn from AMIZ cells, methylation of the 5' LTR increased from 17 to 36% of the population during 67 days of continuous culture and the cells became susceptible to superinfection. During this period, gene expression of pAM3-IRES-Zeo decreased and vector titer production was reduced to 2 x 10(4) CFU/ml. These data demonstrate an important role of DNA methylation in the genetic instability of VPC. The chimeric helper virus allows the establishment of a mixed population of packaging cells capable of high-level and sustained vector production without cloning procedures.     

Highly efficient and inducible DNA excision in transgenic silkworms using the FLP/<Emphasis Type="Italic">FRT</Emphasis> site-specific recombination system

Efficient and inducible recombinase-mediated DNA excision is an optimal technology for automatically deleting unwanted DNA sequences, including selection marker genes. However, this methodology has yet to be established in transgenic silkworms. To achieve efficient and inducible FLP recombinase-mediated DNA excision in transgenic silkworms, one transgenic target strain (TTS) containing an FRT-flanked silkworm cytoplasmic actin 3 gene promoter (A3)-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression cassette, as well as two different types of FLP recombinase expression helper strains were generated. Then, the FLP recombinase was introduced into the TTS silkworms by pre-blastoderm microinjection and sexual hybridization. Successful recombinase-mediated deletion of the A3-EGFP expression cassette was observed in the offspring of the TTS, and the excision efficiencies of the FLP expression vector and FLP mRNA pre-blastoderm microinjection were 2.38 and 13.3 %, respectively. The excision efficiencies resulting from hybridization between the TTS and the helper strain that contained a heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70)-FLP expression cassette ranged from 32.14 to 36.67 % after heat shock treatment, while the excision efficiencies resulting from hybridization between the TTS and the helper strain containing the A3-FLP expression cassette ranged from 97.01 to 100 %. These results demonstrate that the FLP/FRT system can be used to achieve highly efficient and inducible post-integration excision of unwanted DNA sequences in transgenic silkworms in vivo. Our present study will facilitate the development and application of the FLP/FRT system for the functional analysis of unknown genes, and establish the safety of transgenic technologies in the silkworm and other lepidopteran species.     

The use of recombinase mediated cassette exchange in retroviral vector producer cell lines: predictability and efficiency by transgene exchange

Currently, retroviral vector producer cell lines must be established for the production of each gene vector. This is done by transfection of a packaging cell line with the gene of interest. In order to find a high-titer retroviral vector producer clone, exhaustive clone screening is necessary, as the random integration of the transgene gives rise to different expression levels. We established a virus producing packaging cell line, the 293 FLEX, in which the viral vector is flanked by two different FRT sites and a selection trap. Using Flp recombinase mediated cassette exchange; this vector can be replaced by another compatible retroviral vector. The first step was the tagging of 293 cells with a lacZ reporter gene, which allowed screening and choosing a high expressing chromosomal locus. After checking that, a single copy of the construct was integrated, cassette exchangeability was confirmed with a reporter targeting construct. Subsequently gag-pol and GaLV envelope genes were stably transfected. The lacZ transgene was replaced by a GFP transgene and the 293 FLEX producer cell line maintained the titer, thus validating the flexibility and efficacy of this producer cell line. The tagged retroviral producer cell clone should constitute a highly advantageous cell line since it has a predictable titer and can be rapidly used for different therapeutic applications.     

On the use of double FLP recognition targets (FRTs) in the LTR of retroviruses for the construction of high producer cell lines.

A pilot experiment for the construction of a hamster derived, high producer cell line using site specific recombination is described. In the experiment chromosomal loci with intrinsic high expression characteristics were sought via infection with a retroviral construct, containing double FRT sites and subsequent screening for overproduction of an encoded markergene. These sites were then targeted with a second vector, that recombined via the FLP/FRT system from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yielding cells that had the second construct at exactly the same position as the first. By using retroviral vectors with double and single FRT sites, respectively, stable clones can be created that can no longer be excised with FLP.     

Excision of specific DNA-sequences from integrated retroviral vectors via site-specific recombination.

Vectors for gene transfer and gene therapy were developed which combine the advantages of the integrase and recombinase systems. This was achieved by inserting two loxP sites for specific DNA excision into an MESV based retroviral vector. We show that this 'retroviral lox system' allows the infection of cells and the expression of transferred genes. In addition, we constructed an efficient retrovirus-based expression system for a modified Cre recombinase. Functional tests for DNA excision from integrated retroviral lox vectors were performed by the use of a negative selectable marker gene (thymidine kinase). Cre expression in cells infected with retroviral lox vectors and subsequent BrdU selection for cells in which site-specific recombination has occurred results in large numbers of independent cell clones. These results were confirmed by detailed molecular analysis. In addition we developed retroviral suicide vectors in which the enhancer/promoter elements of both LTRs were replaced by lox sequences. We show that lox-sequences located in the LTRs of retroviral vectors are stable during retroviral replication. Potential applications of this system would be the establishment of revertants of retrovirus-infected cells by controlled excision of nearly the complete proviral DNA.     

人TNF-α双顺反子逆转录病毒载体的构建及其在成纤维细胞中的表达

利用脑炎心肌炎病毒的内核糖体进入位点连接人ＴＮＦ－αｃＤＮＡ和选择基因ＮｅｏＲ基因,使ＴＮＦ－α及ＮｅｏＲ基因均受控于病毒ＬＴＲ启动子,将两基因同时转录至同一ｍＲＮＡ,从而构建成人ＴＮＦ－α双顺反子逆转录病毒载体ｐＧＣＥＮ／ＴＮＦ－α．在ＬｉｐｏｆｅｃｔＡＭＩＮＥ介导下将其导入包装细胞ＰＡ３１７,Ｇ４１８筛选得单克隆,病毒滴度为１０６ＣＦＵ／ｍｌ重组病毒分泌的细胞株．经ＰＣＲ证明外源基因已整合至细胞基因组,Ｎｏｒｔｈｅｒｎ印迹显示出单一ＬＲＴ转录本．持续Ｇ４１８筛选能明显促进目的基因ＴＮＦ－α的表达．用重组病毒上清感染小鼠成纤维细胞ＮＩＨ３Ｔ３,Ｇ４１８筛选获得的混合抗性克隆持续高表达ＴＮＦ－α,４０Ｇｙγ线照射后能维持高效表达至７ｄ．实验结果表明,含ＩＲＥＳ的双顺反子逆转录病毒载体将是一个很好的基因转移载体．     

Site-specific targeting of exogenous DNA into the genome of Candida albicans using the FLP recombinase

We have created a system that utilizes the FLP recombinase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to reversibly introduce exogenous cloned DNA at defined locations into the Candida albicans genome. Recombination target (FRT) sites and the FLP gene can be introduced permanently at defined locations using homologous recombination. FLP recombinase is provided as needed through the regulated expression of its gene using the MAL2 promoter. Exogenous DNA is introduced on a cloning vector that is unable to replicate in C. albicans, and contains an FRT site and a selectable marker (URA3). Transformation by the lithium acetate or electroporation procedure is sufficient to obtain site-specific integration. This system permits rapid and precise excision of the introduced DNA when needed. It should facilitate studies on C. albicans genome structure and function, simplifying a wide range of chromosomal cloning applications, and generally enhancing the utility of C. albicans as a model organism for the study of fungal pathogenicity.     

Flp recombinase transgenic mice of C57BL/6 strain for conditional gene targeting

We constructed an expression vector of Flp recombinase modified by adding a nuclear localization signal. Injection of the expression vector into fertilized eggs of the C57BL/6 strain yielded transgenic mouse lines expressing the Flp recombinase transgene in the testis. We crossed the transgenic mice to reporter mice carrying the neomycin phosphotransferase gene flanked by target sites of Flp recombinase. Examination of the deletion of the neomycin phosphotransferase gene in the progeny showed that Flp-mediated recombination took place efficiently in vivo in FLP66 transgenic mouse line. These results suggest that the Flp recombinase system is effective in mice and in combination with the Cre recombinase system extends the potentials of gene manipulation in mice. One of the useful applications of FLP66 transgenic mouse line is the removal of marker genes from mice manipulated for the conditional gene targeting with the Cre/loxP system in the pure C57BL/6 genetic background.     

Graduated resistance to G418 leads to differential selection of cultured mammalian cells expressing the neo gene

The effects of Geneticin (G418) selection on the growth and survival of cultured mammalian cells expressing the neomycin-resistance gene (neo) were studied by the analysis of cell clones from two retroviral neo vector-infected populations. We found a correlation between the neo expression level and growth rates in medium containing varying G418 concentrations. This relationship permits the use of differential selection schemes for the isolation of rare cells with increased expression. Comparison, by clone sampling, of vector-positive populations before and after selection with a G418 concentration in the range usually used for selection, showed different expression level and vector copy number distributions for the population infected with the vector of lower LTR activity, but not for the other. Such biasing effects of G418 selection may be important when selected cells are used for quantitative studies of gene expression.     

Activity of yeast FLP recombinase in maize and rice protoplasts.

We have demonstrated that a yeast FLP/FRT site-specific recombination system functions in maize and rice protoplasts. FLP recombinase activity was monitored by reactivation of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) expression from vectors containing the gusA gene inactivated by insertion of two FRTs (FLP recombination targets) and a 1.31 kb DNA fragment. The stimulation of GUS activity in protoplasts cotransformed with vectors containing FRT inactivated gusA gene and a chimeric FLP gene depended on both the expression of the FLP recombinase and the presence and structure of the FRT sites. The FLP enzyme could mediate inter- and intramolecular recombination in plant protoplasts. These results provide evidence that a yeast recombination system can function efficiently in plant cells, and that its performance can be manipulated by structural modification of the FRT sites.