What is recombineering?

Recombineering is in vivo genetic engineering, also known as homologous RECOMBInation-mediated genetic engiNEERING. “In vivo” is within a bacterial cell, usually E. coli or S. enterica, although recently recombineering has been done in other species, too. The genetic modifications are catalyzed by bacteriophage recombination proteins produced within the bacterium. Importantly, these phage functions are able to recombine DNAs containing short, 50 base, homologies. We typically use the bacteriophage λ Red recombination proteins for recombineering but other systems are available.