Gene amplification system based on double rolling-circle replication as a model for oncogene-type amplification

Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Sep 1;39(16):e106. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkr442. Epub 2011 Jun 7.

Abstract

Gene amplification contributes to a variety of biological phenomena, including malignant progression and drug resistance. However, details of the molecular mechanisms remain to be determined. Here, we have developed a gene amplification system in yeast and mammalian cells that is based on double rolling-circle replication (DRCR). Cre-lox system is used to efficiently induce DRCR utilizing a recombinational process coupled with replication. This system shows distinctive features seen in amplification of oncogenes and drug-resistance genes: (i) intra- and extrachromosomal amplification, (ii) intensive chromosome rearrangement and (iii) scattered-type amplification resembling those seen in cancer cells. This system can serve as a model for amplification of oncogenes and drug-resistance genes, and improve amplification systems used for making pharmaceutical proteins in mammalian cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • DNA Replication*
  • Gene Amplification*
  • Integrases / metabolism
  • Models, Genetic*
  • Oncogenes
  • Recombination, Genetic
  • Yeasts / genetics

Substances

  • Cre recombinase
  • Integrases