Insect Transgenesis: Methods & Applications

About this book

Imagine scientists controlling the transmission of certain diseases through the genetic modification of mosquitoes. Eradicating harmful insects without the use of pesticides. Or increasing the fertility of some insects who in turn eat harmful arthropods or even a plant pathogen. Those are just a few of the real-world applications of insect transgenesis, which offers substantial benefits to humankind-whether it be in improving agricultural productivity or reducing the spread of insect-vectored diseases.
Insect Transgenesis: Methods and Applications is the first publication to describe in a comprehensive manner the various methodologies available, possible applications, and the risk assessment and regulatory issues involved in this fascinating area of research.
Divided into several areas of interest, the book starts with an overview of the history and methodology of insect gene transfer. The book then examines gene targeting by homologous recombination and recombination systems, and systems for transgenic selection, including visible eye color markers, chemical resistance, and fluorescent proteins. Other sections consider the use of various vector systems to integrate DNA into a host genome or to express foreign genes in a host organism.
The work concludes with strategies for the use of transgenic insects, including examples for agricultural pests and vectors of disease. Of particular interest are the final chapters that discuss risk assessment considerations and governmental regulatory procedures for the transport and release of transgenic insects.

Contents

PrefaceIntroductionAn Introduction to the History and Methodology of Insect Gene Transfer - A.M. HandlerGene TargetingTargeted Transformation of the Insect Genome - P. Eggleston and Y. ZhaoSite-specific Recombination for the Genetic Manipulation of Transgenic Insects - Y.S. Rong and K.G. GolicTransgenic SelectionEye Color Genes for Selection of Transgenic Insects - A. Sarkar and F.H. CollinsGreen Fluorecent Protein (GFP) as a Marker for Transgenic Insects - S. Higgs and D. LewisResistance Genes as Candidates for Insect Transgenesis - R. ffrench-Constant and M. BenedictViral VectorsPantropic Retroviral Vectors for Insect Gene Transfer - J.C. BurnsDensonucleosis Virus as Transducing Vectors for Insects - J.C. Carlson, B. Afanasiev, and E. SuchmanSindbis Virus Expression Systems in Mosquitoes: Background, Methods and Applications - K.E. OlsonRetrotransposons and Retroviruses in Insect Genomes - C. Terzian, A. P? lisson, and A. BuchetonPolydnaviruses and Insect Transgenic Research - B.A. WebbTransposable Element VectorsHermes and Other hAT Elements as Gene Vectors in Insects - P.W. Atkinson and D.A. O'BrochtaGenetic Engineering of Insects with mariner Transposons - D.J. Lampe, K.K.O. Walden, J.M. Sherwood, and H.M. RobertsonThe TTAA-specific Family of Transposable Elements: Identification, Functional Characterization, and Utility for Transformation of Insects - M.J. FraserSymbiont VectorsWolbachia as a Vehicle to Modify Insect Populations - S.P. Sinkins and S.L. O'NeillBacterial Symbiont Transformation in Chagas Disease Vectors - C.B. Beard, R.V. Durvasula and F.F. RichardsStrategies, Risk Assessment and RegulationThe Application of Transgenic Insect Technology in the Sterile Insect Technique - A.S. Robinson and G. FranzControl of Disease Transmission Through Genetic Modification of Mosquitoes - A.A. JamesDeploying Transgenic Arthropods in Pest Management Programs: Risks and Realities - M.A. HoyRegulation of Transgenic Arthropods and other Invertebrates in the United States - O.P. Young, S.P. Ingebritsen and A.S. Foudin

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