Mariner transposons as genetic tools in vertebrate cells. 
Transposable elements (TEs) are being investigated as potential molecular tools in genetic engineering, for use in procedures such as transgenesis and insertional mutagenesis.  Naturally active and reconstructed active TEs are both being studied to develop non-viral delivery vehicles.  To date, the active elements being used include three Mariner-Like Elements (MLEs).  We review below the studies that have investigated the ability of these MLEs to insert a transgene in vertebrate cells.