Transformation of Stomoxys calcitrans with a Hermes gene vector

The ability of the Hermes transposable element to function as a germ line t ransformation vector was tested in the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans. Pla smid-based transposable element mobility assays indicated moderate mobility of Hermes in this species. Germline transformants were created using a Her mes element containing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the regulatory control of the promoter from Actin5C gene of Drosophila mela nogaster. Approximately 4% of the fifty-five adults that developed from the 1903 G(0) embryos injected with the vector produced transgenic progeny. In the four transgenic lines established, the EGFP expression pattern was dis tinctly nonuniform and levels of expression were low. Promoters other than the one from the Actin5C gene of D. melanogaster should be considered for w idespread, constitutive expression. All transgenic lines contained multiple (2-4) integrated Hermes elements. Hermes integration events occurred throu gh a canonical cut-and-paste mechanism.