Germ-line transgenesis of the Tc1/ <i>mariner</i> superfamily transposon <i>Minos</i> in <i>Ciona intestinalis</i>

Abstract

The tadpole larva of the basal chordate Ciona intestinalis has the most simplified, basic body-plan of chordates. Because it has a compact genome with a complete draft sequence, a large quantity of EST/cDNA information, and a short generation time, Ciona is a suitable model for future genetics. We establish here a transgenic technique in Ciona that uses the Tc1/mariner superfamily transposon Minos. Minos was integrated efficiently into the genome of germ cells and transmitted stably to subsequent generations. In addition, an enhancer-trap line was obtained. This is a demonstration of efficient, Minos-mediated transgenesis in marine invertebrates.