Modification of bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) and preparation of intact BAC DNA for generation of transgenic mice.

BAC transgenesis is a powerful tool for the study of gene expression and gene function in the mouse in vivo. In this unit, detailed protocols are provided for modification (i.e., marker gene insertion, deletion, or point mutation) of BACs by homologous recombination in E. coli. This method utilizes a shuttle vector that allows transient expression of the E. coli RecA gene to support homologous recombination in the BAC host bacteria. In addition, two protocols are provided for purification of BAC DNA for microinjection to generate transgenic mice. Since BAC DNA is prone to degradation, which may introduce positional effects in transgenic mice, two methods are given for purification of intact BAC DNA for subsequent microinjection.