Project Number: 3602-22000-014-01
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Mar 27, 2000
End Date: Mar 26, 2005

Objective:
Determine the biological activity of a mariner element recovered from Hessian fly. Evaluate germline transformation of Hessian fly using transposon vectors. Assess gene expression Hessian fly using viral vectors. Conduct basic research directed toward the genetic manipulation of non-drosophilid insects. Investigate alternative approaches to DNA delivery in genetic transformation.

Approach:
The biological activity of a mariner element from Hessian fly will be evaluated in vitro through plasmid-to-plasmid transposition and/or in vivo through genetic transformation in model insect (e.g., Drosophila melanogaster or house fly). If active, we will assess the efficiency of the transposon for genetic transformation of non-drosophilid insects. Germline transformation of Hessian fly will be evaluated with the transposons piggyBac, hermes, and mos 1 using GFP as a selectable marker and delivery of DNA into embryos through microinjection. The double subgenomic construct of the Sindbis virus will be used for expression of GFP in Hessian fly larvae. Results will determine if the Sindbis virus can infect Hessian fly cells and express transgenes. If microinjection is not feasible as an approach to DNA delivery in Hessian fly alternative approaches such as electroporation will be investigated.

Project Team

Shukle, Richard Jeff Stuart - Professor Of Entomology (765)494-6351

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001   FY 2000