Recombinase-directed chromosome engineering in plants

Abstract

Directed recombination of specific sequences can be utilized to bring about profound changes in gene expression and genome organization. In past years, the deployment of site-specific recombination systems in the plant genome has produced site-directed excision and inversion of transgens, integration of exogenous DNA into genomic recombination sites, and the rearrangement of chromosome segments. In particular, the rearrangement events that involve large segments of host DNA represent a novel approach to genome engineering and show promise for precise, predictable and reproducible restructuring of higher eukaryotic genomes. In the light of recent reports of plant genome synteny, the concept of reshuffling blocks of chromosome information into new combinations may lead to exciting opportunities for creating new plant varieties for basic research and practical applications.