A method for generating transgenic frog embryos

Ishibashi, S. Kroll, K.L. and Amaya, E.

A method for generating transgenic frog embryos. In Methods in Molecular Biology, Vol. 461. Edited by Paul Sharpe and Ivor Mason. Humana Press Inc. Totowa, NJ. Pages 447-466. (2008)

SUMMARY: The amphibian embryo has classically been one of the best systems for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of early development, in particular for studies of mesodermal and neural induction. Amphibian embryos develop externally and are large and robust. Therefore, tissues can be dissected, isolated, or transplanted with high precision and ease in these embryos. In addition, it is relatively easy to manipulate the expression of gene products by injecting in-vitro transcribed RNAs into developing embryos. However, since RNAs are translated soon after injection, this method has been used mainly for studying early stages of development. Manipulating genes specifically during later stages of development requires fine control over the time and place of expression, which can be achieved only through transgenic technology. In this chapter, we describe a very efficient method of transgenesis developed for Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis.

© 2008 Humana Press Inc.

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