Genetic analysis of microbial systems provided us with the foundation for un derstanding gene structure, expression, and regulation. It was long felt that the ability to generate mutants and conduct genetic studies in mammalian systems would prove to be equally useful. However, genetic analysis based on sexual systems is difficult in mammals because of the long generation times and the inability to perform controlled matings. As a result, genetic analysis of mam malian systems had to await the development of parasexual systems. This book is an attempt to bring together descriptions of a number of these parasexual systems. A common theme of all the parasexual systems is the transfer of genetic information from a defined source into a specific cell type. This volume deals with a number of methods of gene transfer into mammalian cells. The early methods of gene transfer involved transfer of relatively large amounts of genetic information. These include somatic cell hybridization, microcell fusion, and chromosome transfer, which constitute the first part of this book. Each of these methods has already proven to be of enormous value in arriving at a genetic understanding of the mammalian genome. Development of recombinant DNA methods, and the ability to introduce purified DNA into mammalian cells, has had a significant impact on our ability to dissect important aspects of mammalian gene expression and regulation. The second part of this book deals with gene transfer systems involving defined nucleic acid sequences. Front Matter....Pages i-xiii Gene Transfer: A Perspective....Pages 1-4 Cell Hybridization and the 24 Human Gene Maps....Pages 5-78 Microcell Fusion and Mammalian Gene Transfer....Pages 79-93 Use of Metaphase-Chromosome Transfer for Mammalian Gene Mapping....Pages 95-115 Vectors for Gene Transfer Derived from Animal DNA Viruses: Transient and Stable Expression of Transferred Genes....Pages 117-148 Retrovirus Vectors for Gene Transfer: Efficient Integration into and Expression of Exogenous DNA in Vertebrate Cell Genomes....Pages 149-187 Transgenic Mice: Gene Transfer into the Germ Line....Pages 189-221 Expression of Transfected Genes....Pages 223-241 Mutation of Autonomously Replicating Plasmids....Pages 243-261 Gene Purification by Transfection Methods....Pages 263-287 Applications of Gene Transfer in the Analysis of Gene Amplification....Pages 289-323 Retroviral Integration and Insertional Mutagenesis....Pages 325-361 Homologous Recombination in Mammalian Somatic Cells....Pages 363-381 Intrachromosomal Recombination in Mammalian Cells....Pages 383-409 Developments Leading to Human Gene Therapy....Pages 411-441 Back Matter....Pages 443-447
