Transposons are mobile genetic elements that are capable of self-directed excision and subsequent reintegration within the host genome. Transposase such as piggyBac, Sleeping Beauty and Tol2 catalyze these reactions and have shown potential as tools for the stable integration of transgenes when used in the binary plasmid mode. Recent modifications to the transposase and/or the terminal repeats of the transposon have increased their integration efficiency and/or specificity. We recently described the development of a piggyBac transposase system, the helper independent, single construct self-inactivating plasmid called GENIE. Here we describe the structure, safety and function of these transpositional vectors and their use in animal transgenesis and cell transfection.
Keywords: cell transfections; piggyBac; transgene; transgenesis; transposase; transposon.