Lentiviral transgenesis of the leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius

Abstract

Lentiviral vectors are an effective method of introducing transgenes into the genome of early stage embryos because they transduce both dividing and non-dividing cells. Lentiviral pseudoparticles containing the coding sequence for the fluorescent protein DsRed were injected into freshly laid leopard gecko eggs. Tissue samples were collected from hatchlings, and the samples were tested for the presence of the transgene. Of the injected gecko population, greater than 89% of efficiency of transgenesis was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Histological evaluations revealed the presence of DsRed 2 in injected gecko organs; with protein production concentrated in the muscle, kidney, and heart. Therefore, lentiviral vectors appear to be viable technology to create transgenic geckos.