O'Brochta Researchers Developed a Powerful Forward-Genetics Transposon Technology

Researchers in the laboratory of Dr. David O’Brochta, at the University of Maryland Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR) and Department of Entomology (ENT), have developed a powerful forward-genetics transposon technology that can be used to determine gene functions from the phenotypes arising from transposon insertion mutations.  The group published the findings, titled “piggyBac transposon remobilization and enhancer detection in Anopheles mosquitoes”, in the Sept 27 issue of PNAS. While it is well known that Anopheles mosquitoes are among the most effective vectors of human pathogens and parasites, including Plasmodium falciparum, the human malaria parasite, the tools to investigate gene functions have been extremely limited. Using the transposon piggyBac, the research team showed that the transposon is highly active in the germline of the mosquito Anopheles stephensi in the presence of piggyBac transposase. This work has several important implications. First, it will enable researchers to employ efficient transposon-based technologies to Anopheles mosquitoes and this will accelerate a better understanding of mosquito functional genomics. This technology will also be used to advance the development of novel vector and disease transmission control strategies. Finally, the forward-genetics capabilities in mosquito species will enable interspecific trangenics studies by evolutionary developmental biologists, virologists, and parasitologists.

The work in the O’Brochta lab at IBBR is internationally recognized for advances on the molecular genetics of insects that transmit human diseases. The research group focuses on genetics centered mainly on mosquitoes and the physiological genetics of Plasmodium infection. In addition to ongoing work on the studies recently published in PNAS, describing the transposon-based forward genetic analysis of Anopheles mosquitoes, the lab also actively collaborates on a number of vector- and parasite-related projects. The group is currently working with SANARIA, Inc. in Rockville, MD to examine P. falciparum sporozoite production through genetically modified mosquito vectors. In collaboration with CENCAFE, Columbia, the research team is forwarding the development of transgenic technologies for the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei. Another active collaboration, with Dr. Ada Rafaeli, Agriculture Research Organization, Israel, is to characterize the Helicoverpa sex peptide(s) and its regulatory role in mating behavior. Visit Dr. O’Brochta's laboratory page for more information on his research.