Does anyone have a short and simple idea to explain me what the Cre-lox system is and what it can be used (genetic modification, circularization)?
Thanks a lot!
Dear Qu,
Please read the following:
In the field of genetics, Cre-Lox recombination is known as a site-specific recombinase technology, and is widely used to carry out deletions, insertions, translocations andinversions at specific sites in the DNA of cells. It allows the DNA modification to be targeted to a specific cell type or be triggered by a specific external stimulus. It is implemented both in eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems.
The system consists of a single enzyme, Cre recombinase, that recombines a pair of short target sequences called the Lox sequences. This system can be implemented without inserting any extra supporting proteins or sequences. The Cre enzyme and the original Lox site called the LoxP sequence are derived from bacteriophage P1.
Placing Lox sequences appropriately allows genes to be activated, repressed, or exchanged for other genes. At a DNA level many types of manipulations can be carried out. The activity of the Cre enzyme can be controlled so that it is expressed in a particular cell type or triggered by an external stimulus like a chemical signal or a heat shock. These targeted DNA changes are useful in cell lineage tracing and when mutants are lethal if expressed globally.
The Cre-Lox system is very similar in action and in usage to the FLP-FRT recombination system.[1]
Hoping this clarifies the term,
Rafik
https://www.jax.org/news-and-insights/jax-blog/2011/september/cre-lox-breeding-for-dummies
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