The Cre/loxP system in Giardia lamblia: genetic manipulations in a binucleate tetraploid protozoan.
The bacteriophage-derived Cre/loxP system is a valuable tool that has revolutionised genetic and cell biological research in many organisms. We implemented this system in the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia, an evolutionarily diverged protozoan whose binucleate and tetraploid genome organisation severely limits the application of reverse genetic approaches. We show that Cre-recombinase is functionally expressed in G. lamblia and demonstrate "recycling" of selectable markers. Providing the means for more complex and versatile genetic modifications, this technique massively increases the scope of functional investigations in G. lamblia and other protozoa with similar limitations with respect to genetic manipulation.
['Wampfler|Petra B|PB|', 'Faso|Carmen|C|', 'Hehl|Adrian B|AB|']
D001435:Bacteriophages D015870:Gene Expression D005827:Genetics, Microbial D016829:Giardia lamblia D019426:Integrases D008967:Molecular Biology D011995:Recombination, Genetic D057891:Tetraploidy
Cre/loxP Giardia Genetic manipulation Tetraploid Selectable marker Resistance marker recycling