Modular safe-harbor transgene insertion (MosTI) for targeted single-copy and extrachromosomal array integration in C. elegans

Sonia El Mouridi, Faisal Alkhaldi, Christian Frøkjær-Jensen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Efficient and reproducible transgenesis facilitates and accelerates research using genetic model organisms. Here we describe a modular safe harbor transgene insertion (MosTI) for use in C. elegans which improves targeted insertion of single-copy transgenes by homology directed repair and targeted integration of extrachromosomal arrays by non-homologous end-joining. MosTI allows easy conversion between selection markers at insertion site and a collection of universal targeting vectors with commonly used promoters and fluorophores. Insertions are targeted at three permissive safe-harbor intergenic locations and transgenes are reproducibly expressed in somatic and germ cells. Chromosomal integration is mediated by CRISPR/Cas9, and positive selection is based on a set of split markers (unc-119, hygroR, and gfp) where only animals with chromosomal insertions are rescued, resistant to antibiotics, or fluorescent, respectively. Single-copy insertion is efficient using either constitutive or heat-shock inducible Cas9 expression (25 - 75%) and insertions can be generated from a multiplexed injection mix. Extrachromosomal array integration is also efficient (7 - 44%) at MosTI landing sites or at the endogenous unc-119 locus. We use short-read sequencing to estimate the plasmid copy numbers for eight integrated arrays (6 to 37 copies) and long-read Nanopore sequencing to determine the structure and size (5.4 Mb) of one array. Using universal targeting vectors, standardized insertion strains, and optimized protocols, it is possible to construct complex transgenic strains which should facilitate the study of increasingly complex biological problems in C. elegans.
Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalG3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 28 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Modular safe-harbor transgene insertion (MosTI) for targeted single-copy and extrachromosomal array integration in C. elegans'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this