Target site selection in transposition

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

213 Scopus citations

Abstract

Transposable elements are discrete mobile DNA segments that can insert into non-homologous target sites. Diverse patterns of target site selectivity are observed: Some elements display considerable target site selectivity and others display little obvious selectivity, although none appears to be truly 'random.' A variety of mechanisms for target site selection are used: Some elements use direct interactions between the recombinase and target DNA whereas other elements depend upon interactions with accessory proteins that communicate both with the target DNA and the recombinase. The study of target site selectivity is useful in probing recombination mechanisms, in studying genome structure and function, and also in providing tools for genome manipulation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)437-474
Number of pages38
JournalAnnual review of biochemistry
Volume66
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 11 1997

Keywords

  • Integration
  • Non-LTR element
  • Retrovirus
  • Site-specific
  • Transposon

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry

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