Cutting out the φC31 prophage

Stark, W.M. (2011) Cutting out the φC31 prophage. Molecular Microbiology, 80(6), pp. 1417-1419. (doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2011.07699.x) (PMID:21564340) (PMCID:PMC3132441)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2958.2011.07699.x

Abstract

Summary To establish a lysogenic lifestyle, the temperate bacteriophage f31 integrates its genome into the chromosome of its Streptomyces host, by site-specific recombination between attP (the attachment site in the phage DNA) and attB (the chromosomal attachment site). This reaction is promoted by a phage-encoded serine recombinase Int. To return to the lytic lifestyle, the prophage excises its DNA by a similar Int-mediated reaction between the recombinant sites flanking the prophage, attL and attR. f31 Int has been developed into a popular experimental tool for integration of transgenic DNA into the genomes of eukaryotic organisms. However, until now it has not been possible to use Int to promote the reverse reaction, excision. In many other phages, the presence of a Recombination Directionality Factor (RDF) protein biases the phage-encoded integrase towards prophage excision, whereas absence of the RDF favours integration; but the f31 RDF had proved elusive. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Khaleel et al. report the identification and purification of the f31 RDF, and show that it both promotes excision and inhibits integration by direct protein-protein interactions with Int itself

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Stark, Professor Marshall
Authors: Stark, W.M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
Journal Name:Molecular Microbiology
ISSN:0950-382X

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
474381Chimaeric site-specific recombinases for 'genomic surgery'William StarkBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)BB/F021593/1Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology
360541Site-specific recombination by resolvase - assembly and activation of the catalytic tetramerWilliam StarkWellcome Trust (WELLCOME)072552/Z/03/ZInstitute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology