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The genetic manipulation of shrimp is of interest for biological studies and biotechnological applications. In order to perform gene transfer experiments, chimeric genes must be designed and tested, and efficient gene transfer protocols must be established. The carp β-actin, CMV and SV40 early promoters were tested to drive the Escherichia coli lacZ reporter gene in shrimp. Electroporation of single-cell shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti) embryos was assayed and the optimal conditions were found with a pulse amplitude of 12 kV for 6 s in 4X PBS. Transient β-galactosidase activity was detected in 19.4% of shrimp embryos after electroporation at the single-cell embryo stage and in adult muscles after naked DNA injection. The naked DNA transference to shrimp tissue was demonstrated. The functionality analysis of carp β-actin, CMV and SV40 early promoters, together with the E. coli lacZ gene, demonstrated that all three promoters are active in shrimp. The E. coli lacZ gene is considered as a useful reporter gene for transient expression studies in shrimp embryos and adult tissues.