Multiplex automated genome engineering (MAGE)
Multiplex automated genome engineering (MAGE) is a recombinant engineering tool for large-scale programming and accelerated evolution of cells. Before MAGE was introduced by George Church, scientists would painstakingly edit one gene at a time, examine the phenotype changes, and start the whole process again.
Advantages
MAGE is fast and efficient, cheap, and highly scalable. In addition, it allows researchers to edit specific or random sites in the genome and it also operates continuously in-vivo.
Limitations
MAGE's main limitation lies on its portability. It has been exclusively used in E.coli. However, its use in Corynebacterium glutamicum has been recently reported, which would open the possibility to broaden the compatible microorganism spectrum.