Abstract: A new technology is described that allows for the rapid and efficient construction of complex cDNA libraries from cultured eukaryotic cells. The technology exploits eukaryotic biology by using transgenic constructs that have been nonspecifically inserted into the genome to facilitate the expression of nuclear genes as fusion transcripts. The invention further allows one to specifically subclone the corresponding fusion transcripts into highly complex cDNA libraries. The libraries are easily characterized by molecular analysis techniques such as hybridization, and individual clones can be directly sequenced to generate a sequence database of the cellular portion of the fusion transcripts.

Abstract: Methods and vectors (both DNA and retroviral) are provided for the construction of a Library of mutated cells. The Library will preferably contain mutations in essentially all genes present in the genome of the cells. The nature of the Library and the vectors allow for methods of screening for mutations in specific genes, and for gathering nucleotide sequence data from each mutated gene to provide a database of tagged gene sequences. Such a database provides a means to access the individual mutant cell clones contained in the Library. The invention includes the described Library, methods of making the same, and vectors used to construct the Library. Methods are also provided for accessing individual parts of the Library either by sequence or by pooling and screening. The invention also provides for the generation of non-human transgenic animals which are mutant for specific genes as isolated and generated from the cells of the Library.

Abstract: The present invention describes a comprehensive system for gene discovery using retrovirus that have been engineered to exhibit increased accessibility to genomic DNA, or to mutate and identify the chromosomal target sequences of DNA binding proteins. The strategy employs the combination of retroviral integrase/DNA binding protein fusion constructs and gene-trapping methodologies. This novel technology provides the ability to establish proviral integration at any location within the genome. In addition, it allows for the generation of a collection of eukaryotic cells in which each cell contains a mutation in a target gene or sequence for a known DNA binding protein which also allow for rapid in vivo functional analysis. Sequence information obtained for genes identified using the described methods identify a collection of eukaryotic genes related by, or directly or indirectly regulated by, a given DNA binding protein.

Abstract: Methods and vectors (both DNA and retroviral) are provided for the construction of a Library of mutated cells. The Library will preferably contain mutations in essentially all genes present in the genome of the cells. The nature of the Library and the vectors allow for methods of screening for mutations in specific genes, and for gathering nucleotide sequence data from each mutated gene to provide a database of tagged gene sequences. Such a database provides a means to access the individual mutant cell clones contained in the Library. The invention includes the described Library, methods of making the same, and vectors used to construct the Library. Methods are also provided for accessing individual parts of the Library either by sequence or by pooling and screening. The invention also provides for the generation of non-human transgenic animals which are mutant for specific genes as isolated and generated from the cells of the Library.

Abstract: A novel 3' gene trap cassette is described that does not encode a marker conferring antibiotic resistance and can be used to efficiently trap and identify cellular genes. Vectors incorporating the presently 3' gene trap cassette find particular application in gene discovery, the production of transgenic cells and animals, and gene activation.