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Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Hyperactive piggyBac Transposase-mediated Germline Transformation in the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda
Published on: September 23, 2021
Genetic transformation systems in insects
P W Atkinson1, A C Pinkerton, D A O'Brochta
1Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA. peter.atkinson@ucr.edu
Abstract:
The past 5 years have witnessed the emergence of techniques that permit the stable genetic transformation of a number of non-drosophilid insect species. These transposable-element-based strategies, together with virus-based techniques that allow the expression of genes to be quickly examined in insects, provide insect scientists with a first generation of genetic tools that can begin to be harnessed to further increase our understanding of gene function and regulation in insects. We review and compare the characteristics of these gene transfer systems and conclude that, although significant progress has been made, these systems still do not meet the requirements of robust genetic tools. We also review risk assessment issues arising from the generation and probable release of genetically engineered insects.
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