High efficiency flp site-specific recombination in mammalian cells using an optimized flp gene

Abstract

The present invention provides an optimized FLP site-specific recombinase coding sequence and methods for its use. This genetically engineered FLP gene displays a marked increase in recombination efficiency compared to the native FLP gene and is therefore useful in a wide array of molecular applications.

1 - 49 . (canceled) 
     
     
         50 . A transgenic non-human organism comprising a nucleic acid molecule comprising an optimized FLP recombinase coding sequence having the sequence of SEQ NO:1 that provides an enhanced recombinase activity in a cell comprising and expressing the nucleic acid molecule. 
     
     
         51 . The transgenic non-human organism of  claim 50 , wherein the nucleic acid molecule comprising the optimized FLP recombinase coding sequence has at least about 90% sequence identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. 
     
     
         52 . The transgenic non-human organism of  claim 50 , wherein said transgenic non-human organism is an invertebrate. 
     
     
         53 . The transgenic non-human organism of  claim 50 , wherein said transgenic non-human organism is a vertebrate. 
     
     
         54 . The transgenic non-human organism of  claim 50 , wherein said transgenic non-human organism is a mammal. 
     
     
         55 . The transgenic non-human organism of  claim 54 , wherein said transgenic non-human organism is a mouse. 
     
     
         56 . A transgenic mouse comprising an expression construct comprising a nucleic acid molecule comprising an optimized FLP recombinase coding sequence having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 that provides an enhanced recombinase activity in a cell comprising and expressing the nucleic acid molecule. 
     
     
         57 . The transgenic mouse of  claim 56 , wherein the nucleic acid molecule comprising the optimized FLP recombinase coding sequence has at least about 90% sequence identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.