A linamarase transgene controlled by heatshock creates a pro-toxin activation system in Drosophila melanogaster

Linamarase is a plant β-glucosidase enzyme involved in the activation of plant protoxins. It thereby plays a key role in plant defense mechanisms against herbivory. We have taken the linamarase gene sequence from cassava and placed it into the genome of Drosophila melanogaster under the control of non-leaky heat-shock promoter. We show that Drosophila larvae carrying the transgene become sensitive to the pro-toxin linamarin after heat-shock. Furthermore, the sensitivity is elevated in sealed containers and control-larvae sharing such containers with linamarase-larvae are also sensitive, suggesting that the larvae are dying from poisoning with gaseous hydrogen cyanide.