1. Chapter 4: recombinant DNA
Restriction enzyme analysis
Cloning in E. coli plasmids
Transformation
Biomedical application

2. Restriction enzymes
Restriction enzymes cut double-strand DNA at specific recognition sequences which are often 4-6 base pair palindromes = 5’-3’ sequence is identical on both DNA strands
Many restriction enzymes cut the two DNA strands at different points which generates complementary single-strand ends = sticky ends (others = blunt ends)

3. Restriction enzymes
BamHI (from B. amyloliquefaciens ) recognizes GGATCC and cuts between the G’s on both strands

4. Restriction enzymes

5. Restriction enzymes
Restriction enzymes cut DNA into defined pieces, named restriction fragments

6. Restriction enzymes
DNA fragments of different size (e.g. restriction fragments) can be separated according to their size by gel electrophoresis:
agarose gel electrophoresis (300 bp - 15 kb)
polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1-500 b) =PAGE

7. Gel electrophoresis
Molecular weigth marker (band sizes known) to compare sample band sizes

8. Recombinant DNA Sticky ends formed by restriction enzymes
permit circularization or
combinations of DNA
restriction fragment(s)
by complementary
base pairing

9. Recombinant DNA
A new combination of DNA can be made by combining restriction fragments
Complementary sticky ends can be covalently linked with DNA ligase to form recombinant DNA
Blunt end DNA fragments (for example generated by PCR) can also be ligated (but less efficiently)

10. Recombinant DNA
Ligation of
vector and insert
DNA ligase

11. Recombinant DNA
A vector is a replicating unit that can be opened to insert another DNA fragment
Often plasmids are used as vector in bacteria
A plasmid is a small self-replicating circular DNA molecule found in bacteria

12. Recombinant DNA Plasmid vectors have an origin of replication
a selectable marker gene (often an antibiotic resistance)
a cloning site or multicloning site (MCS)

13. Transformation by heat shock or electroshock
Recombinant DNA
Transformation by heat shock or electroshock
bacterium
transformation
Plasmid replication
Replicating bacteria form colony

14. Recombinant DNA R Selection Medium containing antibiotic
Plate bacteria on selective medium R
Medium containing antibiotic
Select for presence of marker

15. Recombinant DNA molecules
DNA fragments + + = =
Vector
DNA 1
DNA 2
DNA 3
In reality only one or up to millions of fragments
Recombinant DNA molecules

16. Cloning = purification
Recombinant DNA
Cloning = purification
Transform plasmids into bacteria: a cell will replicate only one plasmid type
Plate bacteria to form colonies

17. Genetic engineering Methods of genetic manipulation are named:
Recombinant DNA technology
Genetic engineering
Gene cloning or gene technology
Applications include:
Isolation of specific genes
Production of specific proteins

18. Genetic engineering
GMO = genetically modified organism, GMM = genetically modified micro-organisme
Genetic modification = targeted modification of a genetic characteristic of an organism
 transgenic organisme

19. Biomedical applications
Recombinant DNA technology is used to produce large amounts of medically important proteins such as blood clotting factors, insulin,…. In either bacteria, fungi, animal cells, whole animals or plants
DNA probes detect mutant genes in hereditary diseases (DNA diagnostics)

20. Genetic engineering
A chimeric gene is constructed of parts of different genes
An eukaryotic gene can only be expressed in bacteria when provided with the correct expression signals (and vice versa)
Example: human insulin production in bacteria
Bacterial promoter
Coding region human insulin gene
Bacterial terminator

21. Biomedical applications
1982
Diabetics lack the hormone insulin
Initially, insulin was extracted from the pancreas of cows or pigs (different protein)
Biotech insulin: safe and easy