Transposable Elements II: Insertional Mutagenesis

This chapter is a sequel to the topic of transposable elements discussed in Chap. 5 . Here, we will focus on the applications of transposons in Drosophila and mice. The finding of the mobile P element led to the application of transposon as an insertional mutagen. X-rays and chemical mutagens are potent, but it is challenging to identify the mutated genes. A critical advantage of transposon mutagenesis is that the inserted transposon DNA can quickly identify mutated genes. Firstly, we will discuss a strategy for large-scale mutagenesis with the P element in Drosophila. Secondly, we shall review various modifications of the P element to develop enhancer trapenhancer trap systems, which are genetic tools for detecting tissue-specifically expressed genes. In addition, gene or promoter traps will also be discussed. Thirdly, we will study the applications of vertebrate transposable elements. We will discuss how Sleeping BeautySleeping Beauty, a transposon from fish, was developed into an active transposon in vertebrates. PiggyBacPiggyBac is a versatile transposon that can function in both invertebrates and vertebrates. We will discuss how these transposons can be used for inducing germline or somatic mutations in the mouse.