transposasemediated

Transposase-mediated refers to processes in which a transposase enzyme catalyzes the movement of a transposable element within a genome. Transposases are encoded by DNA transposons or supplied in trans and mediate excision from a donor site and reinsertion at a target site.

In DNA transposons, transposase binds to terminal inverted repeats, forms a synaptic complex, excises the element, and inserts it into a target DNA, often generating short target-site duplications during integration. Transposition can proceed via cut-and-paste (non-replicative) or, less commonly, replicative mechanisms depending on the element.

Major transposase families include Tc1/mariner, hAT, pogo/DDE transposases, and autonomous elements such as Sleeping Beauty and PiggyBac, as well as Tol2 in vertebrates. Transposases may act autonomously or be provided by non-autonomous transposons that mobilize in the presence of a compatible enzyme.

Applications include genetic mutagenesis, creation of transgenic organisms, and genome engineering. Transposase-mediated systems are used in model organisms and cultured cells to introduce stable DNA insertions, and are studied for gene therapy and biotechnology due to relatively simple delivery and cargo versatility, while posing concerns about insertional mutagenesis and bias.

Genome context and host factors influence insertion sites; biases toward certain sequences, chromatin states, or genomic regions can occur. Safety, ethical, and regulatory considerations apply to therapeutic uses.