FLP-Mediated Recombination of FRT Sites in the Maize Genome

Author: Lyznik L. Alexander   Rao K. V.   Hodges Thomas K.  

Publisher: Oxford University Press

ISSN: 1362-4962

Source: Nucleic Acids Research, Vol.24, Iss.19, 1996-10, pp. : 3784-3789

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

Molecular evidence is provided for genomic recombinations in maize cells induced by the yeast FLP/FRT site-specific recombination system. The FLP protein recombined FRT sites previously integrated into the maize genome leading to excision of a selectable marker, the neo gene. NPTII activity was not observed after the successful recombination process; instead, the gusA gene was activated by the removal of the blocking DNA fragment. Genomic sequencing in the region of the FRT site (following the recombination reaction) indicated that a precise rearrangement of genomic DNA sequences had taken place. The functional FLP gene could be either expressed transiently or after stable integration into the maize genome. The efficiency of genomic recombinations was high enough that a selection for recombination products, or for FLP expression, was not required. The results presented here establish the FLP/FRT site-specific recombination system as an important tool for controlled modifications of maize genomic DNA.