Mammalian artificial chromosomes

摘要

Non-human cell lines are disclosed which contain functional centromeres comprising human DNA sequences linked to a dominant marker gene. The centromeres are carried on stable chromosomes which carry no centromeres other than those comprising human DNA sequences. The cell lines can be used to isolate the chromosomes as well as for use in inserting genes into mammalian cells. Methods are taught for generating such cell lines from cell lines carrying dicentric chromosomes.