DOI: 10.1051/rnd:2001102

Reprod. Nutr. Dev. 41 (2001) 465-485

Theoretical mechanisms in targeted and random integration of transgene DNA

Kevin Smith

School of Science and Engineering, University of Abertay Dundee, Kydd Building, Bell Street, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK

(Received 4 September 2001; accepted 10 December 2001)

Abstract
The genetic manipulation of mammalian cells and animals would be greatly expedited if gene targeting could be reliably achieved in the widest possible range of host cell types. This paper considers empirical evidence and theoretical considerations associated with transgene integration, and concludes that utilisation of gene targeting in non-selective systems awaits further progress in modelling homologous recombination.

Key words: transgenesis / gene targeting / gene therapy / integration / homologous recombination / concatenation

Correspondence and reprints: Kevin Smith
    e-mail: k.smith@abertay.ac.uk

© INRA, EDP Sciences 2001