Prospects and Possibilities for Gene Transfer Techniques in Insects

Abstract

The ability to analyze and manipulate organisms by classical genetic means has proven to be one of the most powerful tools for studying basic biological questions as well as for addressing important problems in agriculture and medicine. Today we have -available a new set of genetic tools, those of molecular genetics, which allow researchers to more incisively address both basic and applied biological questions. Nevertheless, the full potential of these techniques has only been realized in those species whose genes are amenable to manipulation in vitro and efficient transfer back into their genome. Gene-transfer, or transformation, is now possible as a routine technique in a wide range of eukaryotes including mammalian and plant species. In insects, however, efficient gene transfer is presently limited to the genus Drosophila. This has resulted in a vast wealth of information regarding the genetics, development, physiology, and biochemistry of Drosophila species, much of which can probably be extended to other insect species. Nevertheless, the more applied benefits of molecular genetics, in particular the regulation of insect reproduction and behavior, remain to be attained in nondrosophilid insects. In addition, gene transformation has the potential to provide novel ways of elucidating genetic ,mechanisms and regulation in those insect species which have thus far not been amenable to classical genetic techniques. The basic biological information attained in this way would be likely, in turn, to greatly improve the efficacy of more conventional means of insect control.