Site-specific recombination mediated by an adenovirus vector expressing the Cre recombinase protein: a molecular switch for control of gene expression.

We have constructed replication-defective human adenovirus (Ad) type 5 vectors containing the gene for the Cre recombinase from bacteriophage P1 under control of the human cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter (AdCre). Expression of the protein was detected in replication-permissive (293) and in nonpermissive (MRC5) cell lines, and its biochemical activity was demonstrated in a cell-free recombination assay using a plasmid containing two loxP sites. To study Cre-mediated recombination in an intracellular system, we constructed an Ad vector (AdMA19) containing the luciferase cDNA under control of the human cytomegalovirus promoter but separated from it by an extraneous spacer sequence flanked by loxP sites which blocked luciferase expression. Upon coinfection of 293 or MRC5 cells with AdMA19 and AdCre, luciferase expression was specifically induced by Cre-mediated excision of the intervening sequence. The use of Ad vectors combined with the Cre-loxP system for regulation of gene expression and other possible applications is discussed.