Regulation of expression of Xenopus vitellogenin genes

Oocyte shuttle, a recombinant protein transporting donor DNA into the Xenopus oocyte in situ

The newly developed oocyte shuttle protein contains a streptavidin moiety that tightly binds biotinylated DNA. Injected intravenously into adult Xenopus females, the protein-DNA complex is rapidly transported through the bloodstream and, within the ovary, the vitellogenin ligand present in the protein binds to the receptors at the surface of the oocytes. The bound complex is internalized and translocates into the oocyte nucleus thanks to an SV40 nuclear localization signal, enhanced by an adjacent casein kinase phosphorylation site. Functioning of the shuttle protein is documented by transporting DNA molecules that, upon intramolecular homologous recombination within the oocyte nucleus, express easily traceable markers such as green fluorescence or tetracycline resistance.

Summary: A newly developed oocyte shuttle protein, binding donor DNA and carrying it from the bloodstream to the oocyte nucleus within the ovary, should greatly facilitate production of transgenic Xenopus embryos.