Recent advances in universal TA cloning methods for use in function studies.

As one of the simplest and most efficient cloning methods, T-vector-based TA cloning has been widely used for cloning of single genes and construction of DNA libraries. This approach is especially suitable for high-throughput cloning of diverse DNA fragments since inserts can be cloned without knowledge of their sequence; it is therefore an ideal tool for high-throughput analysis of protein structure and function. Although most of the currently available T-vectors can only be used for cloning purposes, some novel variants with improved functions have be developed. This review focuses on recent developments of universal TA cloning methods and T-vectors constructed for function studies.