Related Experiment Videos
A functional analysis of the P-element gene-transfer vector in insects
A M Handler1, S P Gomez, D A O'Brochta
1Insect Attractants, Behavior and Basic Biology Research Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, Florida.
Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
P-element DNA mobility is limited in non-drosophilid insects, suggesting host factors influence transposition. Transposase activity varies, impacting gene transfer applications for insect pest control.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Entomology
Background:
- P-elements are transposable elements in Drosophila melanogaster.
- Their mobility is crucial for genetic research and gene transfer applications.
- Understanding P-element function in non-drosophilid insects is key for broader applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate P-element mobility in non-drosophilid insects.
- To identify factors influencing P-element transposition.
- To explore gene transfer applications in insects.
Main Methods:
- P-element mobility excision assay.
- Development of a novel excision indicator plasmid.
- Sequence analysis of excision products.
- Testing transposase activity with modified plasmids.
Main Results:
- Non-drosophilid insects (Muscids, Sphaerocerids, Phorids) did not support P-element mobility.
- Quantitative and qualitative differences in transposase activity were observed between Drosophila melanogaster and Chymomyza procnemis.
- Host factors appear to be involved in P-element DNA processing during excision.
- Transposase cDNA showed limited mobility in Anastrepha suspensa.
Conclusions:
- P-element mobility is not universally supported across insect orders.
- Host-specific factors significantly influence P-element transposition.
- Gene transfer technologies, including P-elements, have potential for insect pest management (e.g., sterile-insect technique).