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Published on: October 30, 2016
An efficient protocol for VZV BAC-based mutagenesis
Zhen Zhang1, Ying Huang, Hua Zhu
1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|August 3, 2010
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to study Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) gene functions. This technique uses a VZV bacteria artificial chromosome (BAC) system to efficiently create and analyze VZV deletion mutants.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox and shingles.
- VZV is a human herpesvirus with a large 125-kb DNA genome encoding 70 open reading frames (ORFs).
- The large genome size has historically limited the study of VZV ORF functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient method for studying VZV ORF functions.
- To facilitate the isolation and analysis of VZV ORF deletion mutants.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a luciferase-containing VZV bacteria artificial chromosome (BAC) system.
- Developed a protocol for rapid isolation of VZV ORF deletion mutants.
Main Results:
- Successfully established an efficient protocol for VZV mutant generation.
- The new system enables rapid isolation and study of VZV ORF deletion mutants.
Conclusions:
- The developed VZV BAC system provides an efficient platform for genetic studies.
- This method will accelerate the understanding of VZV ORF functions and viral pathogenesis.
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