RRC ID 11258
Author Wen H, Lan X, Zhang Y, Zhao T, Wang Y, Kajiura Z, Nakagaki M.
Title Transgenic silkworms (Bombyx mori) produce recombinant spider dragline silk in cocoons.
Journal Mol Biol Rep
Abstract Spider dragline silk is a unique fibrous protein with a combination of tensile strength and elasticity, but the isolation of large amounts of silk from spiders is not feasible. In this study, we generated germline-transgenic silkworms (Bombyx mori) that spun cocoons containing recombinant spider silk. A piggyBac-based transformation vector was constructed that carried spider dragline silk (MaSp1) cDNA driven by the sericin 1 promoter. Silkworm eggs were injected with the vector, producing transgenic silkworms displaying DsRed fluorescence in their eyes. Genotyping analysis confirmed the integration of the MaSp1 gene into the genome of the transgenic silkworms, and silk protein analysis revealed its expression and secretion in the cocoon. Compared with wild-type silk, the recombinant silk displayed a higher tensile strength and elasticity. The results indicate the potential for producing recombinant spider silk in transgenic B. mori.
Volume 37(4)
Pages 1815-21
Published 2010-4-1
DOI 10.1007/s11033-009-9615-2
PMID 19633923
MeSH Animal Structures / metabolism* Animals Animals, Genetically Modified Bombyx / genetics* Electrophoresis, Agar Gel Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel Fibroins / biosynthesis* Fluorescence Genetic Vectors / genetics Genotype Luminescent Proteins / metabolism Materials Testing Recombinant Proteins / biosynthesis* Spiders / metabolism* Tensile Strength Transformation, Genetic
IF 1.402
Times Cited 73
WOS Category BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Resource
Silkworms