TRANSFER OF THE GENE FOR NEOMYCIN RESISTANCE INTO GOLDFISH, CARASSIUS-AURATUS

A recombinant DNA construct containing the neo gene controlled by a promoter from the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) was microinjected into newly fertilized, dechorionated goldfish (Carassius auratus) eggs. The neo gene confers resistance to the neomycin analog drug G-418. Results of Southern blot analyses were consistent with incorporation of single or multiple copies of the gene into the genomic DNA of one examined fish. Evidence of neo mRNA in RNA dot-blot analysis indicated that the RSV promoter had initiated transcription within a piscine genome. The utility of the neo gene as a selectable marker for transgenic fish was evaluated by G-418 selection on newly hatched and juvenile fish but proved inconclusive. Reasons for the discrepancy between neo expression and G-418 selection results are discussed. © 1990.