EVOLVING CELLULAR DNA UPTAKE BY RECURSIVE SEQUENCE RECOMBINATION

摘要

The invention provides a number of strategies for transferring and/or evolving gene(s) associated with cellular DNA uptake so that they confer or enhance DNA-uptake capacity of a recipient cell. Evolution is achieved by recursive cycles of recombination and screening/selection. One such strategy entails evolving genes that confer competence in one species to confer either greater competence in that species, or comparable or greater competence in a second species. Another strategy entails evolving genes for use as components of a cloning vector to confer enhanced uptake of the vector. Other strategies entail evolving viral receptors, viruses, and genes that mediate conjugal transfer.