Targeted integration of extrachromosomal arrays in C. elegans using PhiC31 integrase.

PhiC31 integrase enables highly efficient, targeted integration of extrachromosomal arrays into the C. elegans genome, including large arrays up to 18 megabases.

• Why it matters: Stable genome modification is essential for genetic studies, but current methods like x-ray or CRISPR can damage DNA and have low efficiency, limiting research progress.
• What they did: The team used PhiC31-mediated recombination (PhIAT) to insert arrays at specific attB sites across all six chromosomes, including a fluorescent landing pad, by co-injecting necessary components.
• The result: This approach allows single injections to integrate large arrays reliably, facilitating genome studies and enabling incorporation of extensive foreign DNA, such as 65% of yeast genome, into C. elegans.