Joining forces: first application of a rapamycin‐induced dimerizable Cre system for conditional null mutant analysis in Leishmania. Issue 6 (20th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Späth, Gerald F.; Clos, Joachim
• Is Part Of: Molecular microbiology. Volume 100:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 923
• Page End: 927
• Publication Date: 2016-04-20
• Subjects: Molecular microbiology -- Periodicals; 572.829
• DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13374
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-382X

Abstract

Summary: Reverse genetics in Leishmania spp has gained importance beyond basic research as efforts increase to discover and validate new drug targets. Often, the most promising targets are essential for viability of the parasites, defying a genetic analysis by current gene replacement strategies. Duncan et al. demonstrate the applicability of DiCre recombination in Leishmania for induced replacement of the kinase CRK3 gene in promastigotes. DiCre gene replacement leads to the rapid loss of the gene and allows monitoring the phenotypic effects of the loss of function, eliminating the need for prolonged cultivation and selection. Implementation of the DiCre approach will allow functional genetics of the most important of Leishmania genes and is likely to boost genetic research and drug target discovery.