Transgenic silkworms (Bombyx mori) produce recombinant spider dragline silk in cocoons.
Spider dragline silk is a unique fibrous protein with a combination of tensile strength and elasticity, but the isolation of large amounts of silk from spiders is not feasible. In this study, we generated germline-transgenic silkworms (Bombyx mori) that spun cocoons containing recombinant spider silk. A piggyBac-based transformation vector was constructed that carried spider dragline silk (MaSp1) cDNA driven by the sericin 1 promoter. Silkworm eggs were injected with the vector, producing transgenic silkworms displaying DsRed fluorescence in their eyes. Genotyping analysis confirmed the integration of the MaSp1 gene into the genome of the transgenic silkworms, and silk protein analysis revealed its expression and secretion in the cocoon. Compared with wild-type silk, the recombinant silk displayed a higher tensile strength and elasticity. The results indicate the potential for producing recombinant spider silk in transgenic B. mori.
Wen
Hongxiu
H
Division of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano, 386-8567, Japan. wenhongxiu@gmail.com
Lan
Xiqian
X
Zhang
Yuansong
Y
Zhao
Tianfu
T
Wang
Yujun
Y
Kajiura
Zenta
Z
Nakagaki
Masao
M
D000825:Animal Structures / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D012831:Bombyx / Q000235:genetics*; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005349:Fibroins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005453:Fluorescence; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000235:genetics; D005838:Genotype; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008422:Materials Testing; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013112:Spiders / Q000378:metabolism*; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014170:Transformation, Genetic
D008164:Luminescent Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C413663:fluorescent protein 583; C076815:spidroin 2; D005349:Fibroins