Chromosome engineering with lambda-integrase mediated recombination system: the ACE system.

Mammalian satellite DNA-based artificial chromosomes (SATACs) are unique among the mammalian artificial chromosomes. These reproducibly generated de novo chromosomes are stably maintained in different species, readily purified from the host cell's chromosomes and can be introduced into a variety of recipient cells. An artificial chromosome expression system (ACE system) has been developed on these SATACs to extend them for chromosome engineering. This system includes a Platform ACE containing multiple acceptor sites, specially designed targeting vector (ATV), and an ACE-integrase expression vector (pCXLamIntROK). Gene of interest are cloned into targeting vector (ATV), and site-specific loading of genes onto Platform ACE is facilitated by ACE-integrase mediated recombination. ACE system is suitable for multiple or subsequent loading of useful genes onto the same chromosome vector. This chapter describes the detailed procedure of chromosome engineering using the ACE system.