A Cre-loxP based system for studying horizontal gene transfer
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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: March 10, 2017
Anna Bergsmedh1, Jacob Ehnfors, Anna-Lena Spetz
1Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Centre Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
We have previously shown that DNA can be transferred to phagocytosing cells via the uptake of apoptotic cells. We report a model system that facilitates study of antigen presentation of genes transferred specifically via horizontal gene transfer. Constructs were generated encoding the LacZ gene or the influenza A nucleoprotein silenced by a STOP sequence flanked by two loxP sites. These reporter genes were demonstrated to be silent in donor cells and become activated after phagocytosis of Cre-expressing fibroblasts or macrophages. These results provide a model system for studying the influence of horizontally transferred antigens on activation of the immune system.
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