This book provides the first and only comprehensive description and detailed summary of the genetics, structure, function, mechanisms of action, evolution and engineering of homing endonucleases and inteins. These two unique protein superfamilies, which are tied together through their frequent fusion and coevolution, have generated considerable excitement for their fundamental, structural, and functional properties, their evolution as parasitic elements, and their widespread applications as gene targeting agents and as instruments for the generation of modified proteins and novel protein combinations.

Back to Basics: Structure, Function, Evolution and Application of Homing Endonucleases and Inteins

Homing Endonucleases and the Yeast Mitochondrial ? Locus - A Historical Perspective
The LAGLIDADG Homing Endonuclease Family
HNH Endonucleases
GIY-YIG Homing Endonucleases - Beads on a String
His-Cys Box Homing Endonucleases
Group I Introns and Their Maturases: Uninvited, but Welcome Guests
Group II Intron Homing Endonucleases: Ribonucleoprotein Complexes with Programmable Target Specificity
Free-Standing Homing Endonucleases of T-even Phage: Freeloaders or Functionaries?
Function and Evolution of HO and VDE Endonucleases in Fungi
Engineering Homing Endonucleases for Genomic Applications
Inteins - A Historical Perspective
Origin and Evolution of Inteins and Other Hint Domains
Biochemical Mechanisms of Intein-Mediated Protein Splicing
The Structure and Function of Intein-Associated Homing Endonucleases
Harnessing Inteins for Protein Purification and Characterization
Production of Cyclic Proteins and Peptides
Inteins for Split-Protein Reconstitutions and Their Applications
Intein Reporter and Selection Systems
Industrial Applications of Intein Technology.