Establishment of transgenic silkworms expressing GAL4 specifically in the haemocyte oenocytoid cells. Issue 2 (15th November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tsubota, T.; Uchino, K.; Kamimura, M.; Ishikawa, M.; Hamamoto, H.; Sekimizu, K.; Sezutsu, H.
• Is Part Of: Insect molecular biology. Volume 23:Issue 2(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 165
• Page End: 174
• Publication Date: 2013-11-15
• Subjects: Insects -- Molecular aspects -- Periodicals; 595.7
• DOI: 10.1111/imb.12071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-1075

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Insect haemocytes play significant roles in innate immunity. The silkworm, a lepidopteran species, is often selected as the model for studies into the functions of haemocytes in immunity; however, our understanding of the role of haemocytes remains limited because the lack of haemocyte promoters for transgene expression makes genetic manipulations difficult. In the present study, we aimed to establish transgenic silkworm strains expressing GAL4 in their haemocytes. First, we identified three genes with strong expression in haemocytes, namely, <italic>lp44</italic>, <italic>Haemocyte Protease 1</italic> (<italic>HP1</italic>) and <italic>hemocytin</italic>. Transgenic silkworms expressing GAL4 under the control of the putative promoters of these genes were then established and expression was examined. Although GAL4 expression was not detected in haemocytes of <italic>HP1‐GAL4</italic> or <italic>hemocytin‐GAL4</italic> strains, <italic>lp44‐GAL4</italic> exhibited a high level of GAL4 expression, particularly in oenocytoids. GAL4 expression was also detected in the midgut but in no other tissues, indicating that GAL4 expression in this strain is mostly oenocytoid‐specific. Thus, we have identified a promoter that enables oenocytoid expression of genes of interest. Additionally, the <italic>lp44‐GAL4</italic> strain could also be used for other types of research, such as the functional analysis of genes in oenocytoids, which would facilitate advances in our understanding of insect immunity.</p> </abstract>