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Tandem gene arrays: a challenge for functional genomics
1Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Tower Road, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. gj32@cornell.edu
Trends in Plant Science
|April 10, 2007
Summary
Functional analysis of tandem-arrayed gene families in plants is challenging due to gene redundancy. Researchers review genetic strategies, including deletions and mutagenesis, to create effective knockouts for these gene families.
Area of Science:
- Plant genomics
- Functional genomics
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Tandem-arrayed gene families constitute a significant portion (≥15%) of plant genomes.
- Functional analysis of these families is difficult because mutations in single genes often lack observable phenotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare current genetic strategies for generating knockouts in tandem-arrayed gene families.
- To discuss the potential of site-directed mutagenesis for overcoming challenges in functional analysis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing genetic approaches, including PCR-based screening for deletions, selection for meiotic recombination, and transposon mutagenesis.
- Discussion of the merits and limitations of each strategy.
Main Results:
- Multiple strategies have been successfully implemented, such as fast neutron-induced deletions, recombination selection using herbicide resistance markers, and localized transposon mutagenesis.
- Each method presents distinct advantages and disadvantages for creating multi-gene knockouts.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming the challenge of gene redundancy in tandem arrays requires multi-gene targeting strategies.
- Site-directed mutagenesis holds promise for future, more precise generation of knockouts in these complex gene families.
