Rapid Cloning of Random Mutagenesis Libraries Using PTO-QuickStep

Methods Mol Biol. 2022:2461:123-135. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2152-3_8.

Abstract

PTO-QuickStep is a quick and easy molecular cloning technique that allows seamless point integration of a DNA fragment, encoding either a tag or a protein, into any position within a target plasmid. The entire process is conducted in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner, without the need of DNA gel purification and enzymatic restriction and ligation. PTO-QuickStep further innovates protein engineering by providing the possibility of integrating a random mutagenesis step (e.g., error-prone PCR) into the workflow, without compromising the time duration required. Random mutagenesis libraries can be quickly and efficiently cloned into a plasmid of interest, thereby accelerating directed evolution. On top of that, PTO-QuickStep can be utilized for rapid integration of noncoding DNA fragments to modify existing plasmids, making it an excellent tool for synthetic biologists.

Keywords: DNA assembly; Directed evolution; Metabolic engineering; Molecular cloning; Protein engineering; Random mutagenesis; Recombinant DNA; Synthetic biology.

MeSH terms

  • Cloning, Molecular*
  • DNA* / genetics
  • Gene Library*
  • Mutagenesis
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods

Substances

  • DNA