Gene deletions by ends-in targeting in Drosophila melanogaster

Genetics. 2004 Nov;168(3):1477-89. doi: 10.1534/genetics.104.030882.

Abstract

Following the advent of a gene targeting technique in Drosophila, different methods have been developed to modify the Drosophila genome. The initial demonstration of gene targeting in flies used an ends-in method, which generates a duplication of the target locus. The duplicated locus can then be efficiently reduced to a single copy by generating a double-strand break between the duplicated segments. This method has been used to knock out target genes by introducing point mutations. A derivative of this method is reported here. By using different homologous regions for the targeting and reduction steps, a complete deletion of the target gene can be generated to produce a definitive null allele. The breakpoints of the deletion can be precisely controlled. Unlike ends-out targeting, this method does not leave exogenous sequence at the deleted locus. Three endogenous genes, Sir2, Sirt2, and p53 have been successfully deleted using this method.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Gene Deletion*
  • Gene Targeting*
  • Histone Deacetylases / genetics
  • Sirtuins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics

Substances

  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Sirt2 protein, Drosophila
  • Sirtuins
  • Histone Deacetylases