Development of Transformation for Genome Editing of an Emerging Model Organism

Abstract

With the advances in genomic sequencing, many organisms with novel biological properties are ripe for use as emerging model organisms. However, to make full use of them, transformation methods need to be developed to permit genome editing. Here, we present the development of transformation for the fungus fly Bradysia (Sciara) coprophila; this may serve as a paradigm for the development of transformation for other emerging systems, especially insects. Bradysia (Sciara) has a variety of unique biological features, including locus-specific developmentally regulated DNA amplification, chromosome imprinting, a monopolar spindle in male meiosis I, non-disjunction of the X chromosome in male meiosis II, X chromosome elimination in early embryogenesis, germ-line-limited (L) chromosomes and high resistance to radiation. Mining the unique biology of Bradysia (Sciara) requires a transformation system to test mutations of DNA sequences that may play roles for these features. We describe a Bradysia (Sciara) transformation system using a modified piggyBac transformation vector and detailed protocols we have developed to accommodate Bradysia (Sciara) specific requirements. This advance will provide a platform for us and others in the growing Bradysia (Sciara) community to take advantage of this unique biological system. In addition, the versatile piggyBac vectors described here and transformation methods will be useful for other emerging model systems.