Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2026
07:42
Microinjection of Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, Embryos for Germline Transformation, or CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing
Published on: April 27, 2018
Gene transfer into corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) embryos
J D DeVault1, K J Hughes, R A Leopold
1Department of Insect Genetics and Biochemistry, U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service, Fargo, North Dakota, 58105, USA. devaultj@ars.usda.gov
Genome Research
|July 1, 1996
Summary
The hobo transposable element can move between insect species, enabling genetic transformation in lepidopteran species like the corn earworm. This discovery opens new avenues for insect genetic engineering.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Entomology
Background:
- Transposable elements (TEs) with terminal inverted repeats are found in insects.
- The Drosophila melanogaster hobo element is a proven gene delivery vector.
- Understanding TE mobility across species is crucial for genetic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transposition capability of the D. melanogaster hobo element in lepidopteran species.
- To assess the potential of hobo elements as gene vectors in non-drosophilid insects.
- To establish a genetic transformation system for lepidopteran insects.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a plasmid-based excision assay to measure hobo element transposition.
- Analyzed transposition in Trichoplusia ni and Helicoverpa zea embryonic cell lines.
- Detected hobo transposition in H. zea embryos.
- Demonstrated stable insertion of the bacterial lacZ gene into the H. zea genome.
Main Results:
- Productive transposition of the hobo element was supported by T. ni and H. zea cell lines.
- Hobo transposition was confirmed in H. zea embryos.
- Transposition/excision was independent of vector-encoded transposase, suggesting endogenous gene involvement.
- Stable integration of the lacZ gene into the H. zea genome was achieved.
Conclusions:
- The hobo element can transpose and function in non-drosophilid cellular environments, crossing species boundaries.
- Endogenous genes in lepidopteran species facilitate hobo element mobility.
- This study establishes the first genetic transformation system for a lepidopteran species using the hobo element.
