A modular set of Flp, FRT and lacZ fusion vectors for manipulating genes by site-specific recombination.

Site-specific recombinases can serve as powerful tools to target genetic manipulations to specific cell populations in culture and in the organism. A series of vectors for engineering gene activation, deletion and integration in mammalian cells using Flp recombinase is described here. The vectors are modular in design so that specific cassettes can be linked depending on the application. Using these vectors, efficient Flp-mediated lacZ activation and beta-galactosidase (beta Gal) detection has been demonstrated in mammalian cell culture. These vectors should facilitate using Flp to mark cell populations, as well as to activate, remove or mutate genes in culture and in the mouse.