Rekombinaseks

Rekombinaseks are enzymes that catalyze site-specific DNA recombination, enabling precise rearrangements such as insertions, deletions, inversions, and integrations. They recognize defined DNA sequences and mediate cutting and rejoining of DNA strands to produce targeted changes without random mutations. In molecular biology and biotechnology, rekombinaseks are valuable tools for controlled genome modification and gene regulation.

Two major families are central to their function: tyrosine recombinases (for example Cre from bacteriophage P1, Flp from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Dre) and serine recombinases (such as PhiC31 and Bxb1). The key sites they act upon include loxP, FRT, and attB/attP, among others. The directional outcome of recombination—excision, inversion, or integration—depends on the recombinase type, the recognition sites, and the surrounding DNA context.

In nature, recombinases play diverse roles, including genome rearrangements in bacteria and phages, integration and excision of mobile genetic elements, and immune system diversification in vertebrates through RAG1/RAG2–like activities. In research and applied biotechnology, rekombinaseks enable conditional gene knockouts, lineage tracing, reporter activation, and targeted genome insertions, often in model organisms and cell lines. They are central to widely used systems such as Cre-loxP and Flp-FRT, with ongoing developments to improve specificity, efficiency, and control.

Limitations include potential off-target activity at pseudo-sites, context-dependent efficiency, and the need to express the enzyme in a controlled manner to avoid unintended genome modifications. Overall, rekombinaseks are essential, versatile tools for precise genetic engineering and functional genomics.