Nucleic Acids Research, Vol 25, Issue 17 3379-3388, Copyright © 1997 by Oxford University Press
M Belfort and RJ Roberts
Homing endonucleases are rare-cutting enzymes encoded by introns and
inteins. They have striking structural and functional properties that
distinguish them from restriction enzymes. Nomenclature conventions
analogous to those for restriction enzymes have been developed for the
homing endonucleases. Recent progress in understanding the structure and
function of the four families of homing enzymes is reviewed. Of particular
interest are the first reported structures of homing endonucleases of the
LAGLIDADG family. The exploitation of the homing enzymes in genome analysis
and recombination research is also summarized. Finally, the evolution of
homing endonucleases is considered, both at the structure-function level
and in terms of their persistence in widely divergent biological systems.
REVIEWS
Homing endonucleases: keeping the house in order
Molecular Genetics Program, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, and School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, PO Box 22002, Albany, New York 12201-2002, USA. marlene.belfort@wadsworth.org
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