recombinasen

Recombinase is a broad term for enzymes that catalyze recombination, a process of genetic material exchange between different deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules. This exchange can occur between homologous chromosomes, a process crucial for sexual reproduction and genetic diversity, or between non-homologous DNA sequences, as seen in certain viral infections or genetic engineering techniques. The most well-studied recombinases are the site-specific recombinases, which recognize and bind to specific DNA sequences called recombination sites. Upon binding, they induce a double-strand break in the DNA, facilitate the exchange of genetic material, and then ligate the broken strands.

There are several families of recombinases, including the integrase family, the serine recombinase family, and the tyrosine recombinase family, each with distinct catalytic mechanisms and structural features. These enzymes play vital roles in various biological processes. For instance, in bacteriophages, recombinases are essential for integrating their genetic material into the host chromosome. In eukaryotes, some recombinases are involved in rearranging DNA during development or in immune system gene diversification. Beyond their natural functions, recombinases are powerful tools in molecular biology and biotechnology. They are widely used in genetic engineering to perform precise DNA modifications, such as gene insertion, deletion, or inversion, within living cells. Systems like Cre-lox and Flp-FRT utilize engineered site-specific recombinases for controlled genetic manipulation in research and therapeutic applications.