Carareto et al. 1997

Citation

Carareto, C. M., Kim, W., Wojciechowski, M. F., O'grady, P., Prokchorova, A. V., Silva, J. C., & Kidwell, M. G. (1997). Testing transposable elements as genetic drive mechanisms using Drosophila P element constructs as a model system. Genetica, 101(1), 13-33.

Links

• https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1018339603370
• http://hawaiireedlab.com/pdf/c/cararetoetal1997.pdf (internal lab link only)

Published Abstract

The use of transposable elements (TEs) as genetic drive mechanisms was explored using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. Alternative strategies, employing autonomous and nonautonomous P element constructs were compared for their efficiency in driving the ry+ allele into populations homozygous for a ry- allele at the genomic rosy locus. Transformed flies were introduced at 1%, 5%, and 10% starting frequencies to establish a series of populations that were monitored over the course of 40 generations, using both phenotypic and molecular assays. The transposon-borne ry+ marker allele spread rapidly in almost all populations when introduced at 5% and 10% seed frequencies, but 1% introductions frequently failed to become established. A similar initial rapid increase in frequency of the ry+ transposon occurred in several control populations lacking a source of transposase. Constructs carrying ry+ markers also increased to moderate frequencies in the absence of selection on the marker. The results of Southern and in situ hybridization studies indicated a strong inverse relationship between the degree of conservation of construct integrity and transposition frequency. These finding have relevance to possible future applications of transposons as genetic drive mechanisms.