Transposition of the Hermes element in embryos of the vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti

Autor(es): Sarkar A,Yardley K,Atkinson P W,James A A,O'Brochta D A


Resumo: Using a plasmid-based transpositional recombination assay in vivo, we have demonstrated that Hermes, a short inverted repeat type transposable element from Musca domestica, can transpose in Aedes aegypti embryos. Hermes transpositions in Ae. aegypti have all the characteristics observed during Hermes transposition in its host M. domestica and in related species. These characteristics include an absolute dependence on the expression of the Hermes transposase and a preference for the integration site GTNCAGAC (P < 0.05). In addition, the rate of Hermes transposition in Ae. aegypti (0.286 transpositions per 10,000 donor plasmids screened) was comparable to that observed in Drosophila melanogaster under similar conditions. These results suggest that Hermes can be developed into a gene vector and genetic engineering tool for Ae. aegypti and related mosquitoes.


Palavras-Chave: Transposable elements; Transformation Genetic engineering; Musca Drosophila Aedes; Mosquitoes


Imprenta: Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, v. 27, n. 5, p. 359-363


Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1016/S0965-1748(97)00018-0


Descritores: Aedes aegypti - DNA ; Aedes aegypti - Genome ; Aedes aegypti - Molecular Structure ; Aedes aegypti - Pathogenesis


Data de publicação: 1997