Reversible introduction of transgenes in natural populations of insects

Insect Mol Biol. 2006 Apr;15(2):227-34. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2006.00631.x.

Abstract

The most serious challenge concerning genetically modified insects remains their invasion ability. Indeed, transgenic insects often show lower fitness than wild individuals, and the transgene does not seem able to spread through a natural population without a driving system. The use of remobilizable vectors, based on the invading properties of transposable elements, has been frequently suggested. Simulations show that this strategy can be efficient. Moreover, if the transgene is designed to use transposition machinery already present in the genome, the transgene invasion appears to be potentially reversible after a few hundred generations, leading to new experimental perspectives.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified*
  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • Ecosystem
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Insecta / genetics*
  • Male
  • Population Dynamics
  • Transgenes

Substances

  • DNA Transposable Elements