LAHEDES

LAHEDES catalogs and searches LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases (LHEs) and identifies candidate DNA target sites and amino-acid interaction clusters to support selection and engineering of meganucleases for gene-targeting applications.

Key Features:

• LHE repository: A curated database of LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases (LHEs, meganucleases) with characterized biochemical activities and known target site specificities.
• Target-site identification: Identification of potential DNA sequences recognized by wild-type or engineered LHE variants.
• Search scope: Searches across sequence ranges from single genes to entire genomic reads to pinpoint target sites within complex genomes.
• Scoring algorithms: Four distinct scoring algorithms available to evaluate candidate target sites.
• Scaffold selection: Selectable LHE scaffolds to tailor searches to specific enzyme backbones.
• Amino-acid cluster information: Reports clusters of amino acids within endonucleases to inform engineering and selection experiments aimed at modifying specificity.

Scientific Applications:

• Gene targeting and genome editing: Selecting validated LHEs and candidate target sites for precise gene-targeting applications.
• Target discovery in complex genomes: Pinpointing candidate cleavage sites within single genes or whole genomic read datasets.
• Enzyme engineering and selection: Guiding specificity modification and selection experiments using amino-acid cluster data and scaffold context.

Methodology:

Searches across input sequences (single genes to genomic reads) using four distinct scoring algorithms with selectable LHE scaffolds and reporting of amino-acid cluster information.