DNA-Mediated Gene Transfer in Mammalian Gene Cloning

Abstract

Mammalian gene cloning in prokaryotic host and vector systems provides insights over a broad spectrum of biological mechanisms. Conventional cloning methods based on messenger RNA isolation are highly effective in the isolation of genes with high transcriptional activity. An alternative means of gene cloning which is independent of the abundance of mRNA involves the use of DNA-mediated gene transfer and selection in mammalian cells. This approach has its basis in somatic cell genetics, and makes use of a large reservoir of knowledge concerning selection systems in mammalian somatic cell populations in vitro. It will be the aim of this article to review the technical basis, historical development, and recent progress in this area of mammalian gene cloning.