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Homing Endonucleases: From Genetic Anomalies to Programmable Genomic Clippers

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Homing Endonucleases

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1123))

Abstract

Homing endonucleases are strong drivers of genetic exchange and horizontal transfer of both their own genes and their local genetic environment. The mechanisms that govern the function and evolution of these genetic oddities have been well documented over the past few decades at the genetic, biochemical, and structural levels. This wealth of information has led to the manipulation and reprogramming of the endonucleases and to their exploitation in genome editing for use as therapeutic agents, for insect vector control and in agriculture. In this chapter we summarize the molecular properties of homing endonucleases and discuss their strengths and weaknesses in genome editing as compared to other site-specific nucleases such as zinc finger endonucleases, TALEN, and CRISPR-derived endonucleases.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Matt Stanger for preparing the figures, Barry Stoddard for providing the images for Fig. 1a, and Rebecca McCarthy for preparing the manuscript. Research in the Belfort lab is supported by NIH grants GM39422 and GM44844.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA

    Marlene Belfort

  2. New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, USA

    Richard P. Bonocora

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  1. Marlene Belfort
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  1. University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

    David R. Edgell

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Belfort, M., Bonocora, R.P. (2014). Homing Endonucleases: From Genetic Anomalies to Programmable Genomic Clippers. In: Edgell, D. (eds) Homing Endonucleases. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1123. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-968-0_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-968-0_1

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