The present invention relates, e.g., to in vitro method, using isolated protein reagents, for joining two double stranded (ds) DNA molecules of interest, wherein the distal region of the first DNA molecule and the proximal region of the second DNA molecule share a region of sequence identity, comprising contacting the two DNA molecules in a reaction mixture with (a) a non-processive 5′ exonuclease; (b) a single stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) which accelerates nucleic acid annealing; (c) a non strand-displacing DNA polymerase; and (d) a ligase, under conditions effective to join the two DNA molecules to form an intact double stranded DNA molecule, in which a single copy of the region of sequence identity is retained. The method allows the joining of a number of DNA fragments, in a predetermined order and orientation, without the use of restriction enzymes.

Sequencing adaptors and methods are provided for preparation of polynucleotides for sequencing. The sequencing adaptors contain a portion of a recognition sequence for a methyl-dependent endonuclease. Unwanted adaptor dimers that form during ligation of adaptors to target polynucleotides produce a complete restriction sequence and are cleaved by the endonuclease, followed by exonuclease digestion, thereby removing the dimers.

Sequencing adaptors and methods are provided for preparation of polynucleotides for sequencing. The sequencing adaptors contain a portion of a recognition sequence for a methyl-dependent endonuclease. Unwanted adaptor dimers that form during ligation of adaptors to target polynucleotides produce a complete restriction sequence and are cleaved by the endonuclease, followed by exonuclease digestion, thereby removing the dimers.

A Cas9 expression plasmid, a genome editing system and a genome editing method for Escherichia coli are provided. The Cas9 expression plasmid includes a tracrRNA sequence, a Cas9 gene and a chloramphenicol resistance gene (Cm.sup.R). The Cas9 expression plasmid is applied to CRISPR/Cas-coulped λ-red recombineering system for editing genomes of E. coli with high efficiency.

Described are methods of homology directed repair (e.g., for treating a disease or disorder) and fusion proteins, polynucleotides (e.g., guide polynucleotides (e.g., guide RNAs) and polynucleotides encoding the fusion proteins), vectors containing the polynucleotides, viral or non-viral delivery vehicles containing the vectors, and compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) containing the same for use in methods of homology directed repair.

Methods, reagents and compositions for providing more accurate and reliable genetic modification are provided. In particular a nucleic acid encoding a fusion protein comprising an endonuclease domain and a binding domain for an origin of replication is described. Also provided are methods, reagents and compositions for in vivo genetic modification of the genome of a non-animal cell or organism. Furthermore, the present application relates to uses of the said methods, reagents and compositions for introducing desirable traits to non-animal organisms or ameliorating or removing non-desirable traits in these organisms including in the treatment of disease.

The present invention relates, e.g., to in vitro method, using isolated protein reagents, for joining two double stranded (ds) DNA molecules of interest, wherein the distal region of the first DNA molecule and the proximal region of the second DNA molecule share a region of sequence identity, comprising contacting the two DNA molecules in a reaction mixture with (a) a non-processive 5 exonuclease; (b) a single stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) which accelerates nucleic acid annealing; (c) a non strand-displacing DNA polymerase; and (d) a ligase, under conditions effective to join the two DNA molecules to form an intact double stranded DNA molecule, in which a single copy of the region of sequence identity is retained. The method allows the joining of a number of DNA fragments, in a predetermined order and orientation, without the use of restriction enzymes.

The present invention relates, e.g., to in vitro method, using isolated protein reagents, for joining two double stranded (ds) DNA molecules of interest, wherein the distal region of the first DNA molecule and the proximal region of the second DNA molecule share a region of sequence identity, comprising contacting the two DNA molecules in a reaction mixture with (a) a non-processive 5 exonuclease; (b) a single stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) which accelerates nucleic acid annealing; (c) a non strand-displacing DNA polymerase; and (d) a ligase, under conditions effective to join the two DNA molecules to form an intact double stranded DNA molecule, in which a single copy of the region of sequence identity is retained. The method allows the joining of a number of DNA fragments, in a predetermined order and orientation, without the use of restriction enzymes.

Sequencing adaptors and methods are provided for preparation of polynucleotides for sequencing. The sequencing adaptors contain a portion of a recognition sequence for a methyl-dependent endonuclease. Unwanted adaptor dimers that form during ligation of adaptors to target polynucleotides produce a complete restriction sequence and are cleaved by the endonuclease, followed by exonuclease digestion, thereby removing the dimers.

A Cas9 expression plasmid, a genome editing system and a genome editing method for Escherichia coli are provided. The Cas9 expression plasmid includes a tracrRNA sequence, a Cas9 gene and a chloramphenicol resistance gene (Cm.sup.R). The Cas9 expression plasmid is applied to CRISPR/Cas-coupled -red recombineering system for editing genomes of E. coli with high efficiency.