A shuttle vector is a vector (usually a plasmid) constructed so that it can propagate in two different host species http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=Books&cmd=Search&term=vector%20AND%20mcb%5Bbook%5D&doptcmdl=TOCView). Therefore, DNA inserted into a shuttle vector can be tested or manipulated in two different cell types. The main advantage of these vectors is they can be manipulated in E. coli and then used in a system which is more difficult or slower to use (e.g. yeast, other bacteria).
Shuttle vectors are frequently used to quickly make multiple copies of the gene in E. coli (amplification). They can also used for in vitro experiments and modifications (e.g. mutagenesis, PCR)
One of the most common types of shuttle vectors is the yeast shuttle vector http://dbb.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/Sherman_f/yeast/9.html. Almost all commonly used S. cerevisiae vectors are shuttle vectors. Yeast shuttle vectors have components that allow for replication and selection in both E. coli cells and yeast cells. The E. coli component of a yeast shuttle vector includes an origin of replication and a selectable marker, e.g. antibiotic resistance, Beta lactamase. The yeast component of a yeast shuttle vector includes an autonomously replicating sequence (ARS), a yeast centromere (CEN), and a yeast selectable marker (eg. URA3, a gene that encodes an enzyme for uracil synthesis, Lodish et al. 2007).
References
An Introduction to Genetic Analysis, Griffiths et al., 7th ed. ISBN 071673771X
Principles of Genetics, Snustad & Simmons, 4th ed. ISBN 047169939X
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