Interplasmid transposition demonstrates piggyBac mobility in vertebrate species.
The piggyBac transposon is an extremely versatile helper-dependent vector for gene transfer and germ line transformation in a wide range of invertebrate species. Analyses of genome sequencing databases have identified piggyBac homologues among several sequenced animal genomes, including the human genome. In this report we demonstrate that this insect transposon is capable of transposition in primate cells and embryos of the zebrafish, Danio rerio. piggyBac mobility was demonstrated using an interplasmid transposition assay that has consistently predicted the germ line transformation capabilities of this mobile element in several other species. Both transfected COS-7 primate cells and injected zebrafish embryos supported the helper-dependent movement of tagged piggyBac element between plasmids in the characteristic cut-and-paste, TTAA target-site specific manner. These results validate piggyBac as a valuable tool for genetic analysis of vertebrates.
Lobo
Neil F
NF
Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Tropical Diseases Research and Training, University of Notre Dame, PO Box 369, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0369, USA.
Fraser
Tresa S
TS
Adams
John A
JA
Fraser
Malcolm J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D019556:COS Cells; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D004251:DNA Transposable Elements / Q000235:genetics*; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006801:Humans; D007915:Lepidoptera / Q000235:genetics; D010957:Plasmids / Q000235:genetics*; D014162:Transfection; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000235:genetics*; D015027:Zebrafish / Q000235:genetics
D017931:DNA Primers; D004251:DNA Transposable Elements