Controlling gene expression in Drosophila using engineered zinc finger protein transcription factors

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2006 Sep 29;348(3):873-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.07.137. Epub 2006 Jul 31.

Abstract

Zinc finger protein transcription factors (ZFP TFs) have been designed to control the expression of endogenous genes in a variety of cells. However, thus far the use of engineered ZFP TFs in germline transgenic settings has been restricted to plants. Here we report that ZFP TFs can regulate gene expression in transgenic Drosophila. To demonstrate this, we targeted the promoter of the well-characterized fushi tarazu (ftz) gene with a ZFP TF activator using the VP16 activation domain from Herpes simplex virus, and ZFP TF repressors using the Drosophila methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD)-like Delta protein. Heat-shock-inducible expression of the ZFP TF activator and repressors resulted in reciprocal effects on ftz regulation, as deduced from changes in the staining pattern and intensity of ftz and en gene expression, and from the cuticular analysis of first instar larvae. These data demonstrate the utility of ZFP TFs as tools for controlling gene expression in the context of a metazoan organism.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Base Sequence
  • Cadmium Compounds
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemical synthesis
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology
  • Drosophila / genetics*
  • Drosophila Proteins / chemical synthesis
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics*
  • Drosophila Proteins / physiology
  • Fushi Tarazu Transcription Factors / chemical synthesis
  • Fushi Tarazu Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Fushi Tarazu Transcription Factors / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Protein Engineering*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary / genetics
  • Tellurium
  • Trans-Activators / chemical synthesis
  • Trans-Activators / genetics*
  • Trans-Activators / physiology
  • Zinc Fingers / genetics*
  • Zinc Fingers / physiology

Substances

  • Cadmium Compounds
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Fushi Tarazu Transcription Factors
  • MBD2 protein
  • Trans-Activators
  • ftz protein, Drosophila
  • Tellurium
  • cadmium telluride