Other

Brian J Akerley

Eric J Rubin

John J Mekalanos

Andrew Camilli

David J Lampe

Hugh M Robertson

Mariner-family transposable elements are active in a wide variety of organisms and are becoming increasingly important genetic tools in species lacking sophisticated genetics. The Himar1 element, a member of the mariner family, isolated from the horn fly, is active in when expressed appropriately. Using this fact, a genetic screen was devised to isolate hyperactive mutants of Himar1 transposase that enhance overall transposition from 4 to 50-fold as measured in an assay. These hyperactive Himar1 mutant transposases should enable sophisticated analysis of the biochemistry of mariner transposition and should improve efficiency of a variety of genetic manipulations involving transposition in vivo and in vitro such as random mutagenesis or transgenesis in a wide range of host cells than the transposable elements previously available.

Hyperactive mutants of Himar1 transposase and methods for using the same

The invention features a general system for the identification of essential genes in organisms. This system is applicable to the discovery of novel target genes for antimicrobial compounds, as well as to the discovery of genes that enhance cell growth or viability.

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Brian J Akerley