A repressible female-specific lethal genetic system for making transgenic insect strains suitable for a sterile-release program.
We have developed a tetracycline-repressible female-specific lethal genetic system in the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster. One component of the system is the tetracycline-controlled transactivator gene under the control of the fat body and female-specific transcription enhancer from the yolk protein 1 gene. The other component consists of the proapoptotic gene hid under the control of a tetracycline-responsive element. Males and females of a strain carrying both components are viable on medium supplemented with tetracycline, but only males survive on normal medium. A strain with such properties would be ideal for a sterile-insect release program, which is most effective when only males are released in the field.
Heinrich
J C
JC
Institute of Molecular BioSciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Scott
M J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D017209:Apoptosis; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000235:genetics*; D005216:Fat Body / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000235:genetics; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000235:genetics*; D010572:Pest Control, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D014819:Vitellogenins / Q000235:genetics*
D029721:Drosophila Proteins; C108880:HID protein, Drosophila; D019476:Insect Proteins; D009479:Neuropeptides; D014819:Vitellogenins; C105973:YP1 protein, Drosophila