Heteroduplex mobility assay detects DNA mutations for differentiation of closely related phytoplasma strains

Protocol for genetic engineering in Drosophila suzukii using microinjection

The spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii Matsumura) is recognized globally as a significant economic pest. Here, we present a protocol for genetic engineering in D. suzukii using microinjection. We describe steps for genetic engineering techniques, including transposon-mediated germline transformation, recombinase-mediated genome targeting, and CRISPR-mediated gene editing. This protocol can significantly expand the toolkit for functional genomics and genetic control studies of this pest. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Schetelig and Handler,1 Schetelig et al.2 Yan et al.,3 and Yan et al.4.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of the white and Sex lethal loci in the invasive pest, Drosophila suzukii

Drosophila suzukii (commonly called spotted wing Drosophila) is an invasive pest of soft-skinned fruit (e.g. blueberries, strawberries). A high quality reference genome sequence is available but functional genomic tools, such as used in Drosophila melanogaster, remain to be developed. In this study we have used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to introduce site-specific mutations in the D. suzukii white (w) and Sex lethal (Sxl) genes. Hemizygous males with w mutations develop white eyes and the mutant genes are transmissible to the next generation. Somatic mosaic females that carry mutations in the Sxl gene develop abnormal genitalia and reproductive tissue. The D. suzukii Sxl gene could be an excellent target for a Cas9-mediated gene drive to suppress populations of this highly destructive pest.

Heteroduplex mobility assay of the D1/D2 region of the 26S rDNA for differentiation of Saccharomyces species

AIMS

We present the HMA method for Saccharomyces differentiation using the PCR amplified D1/D2 26S rDNA.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This methodology is based on heteroduplex formation when two different DNAs are hybridized. We tested 11 type cultures of Saccharomyces, 27 different cultures of S. cerevisiae and four other ascomycetic genera.

CONCLUSION

The method was capable of differentiating Saccharomyces species and was mainly very efficient for S. cerevisiae identification. HMA can probably be applied in other genera, where identification is sometimes difficult only by conventional traits, which are based on physiology and morphology.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

HMA provides a rapid and relatively simple molecular tool, contributing for yeast taxonomy.

Use of heteroduplex mobility assay for identification and differentiation of phytoplasmas in the aster yellows group and the clover proliferation group

ABSTRACT This paper describes the identification and differentiation of phytoplasmas by a highly sensitive diagnostic technique, DNA heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA). Closely related phytoplasma isolates of clover proliferation (CP), potato witches'-broom (PWB), and alfalfa witches'-broom (AWB) were collected from the field from 1990 to 1999. The entire 16S rRNA gene and 16/23S spacer region were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from the field samples and standard CP, PWB, and AWB phytoplasmas and were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and HMA. Two subgroups (I and II) of phytoplasmas in the CP group were identified by HMA but not by RFLP analysis. The results were confirmed by 16/23S spacer region sequence data analysis. After HMA analyses of the PCR-amplified 16/23S spacer region, 14 phytoplasma isolates from field samples were classified into two aster yellows subgroups: subgroup I, phytoplasma isolates from China aster (Callistephus chinensis) yellows, French marigold (Tagetes patula) yellows, cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus cv. Dazzler) yellows, clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata) yellows, California poppy (Eschscholzia californica cv. Tai Silk) yellows, monarda (Monarda fistulosa) yellows, and strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum) yellows; and subgroup II, phytoplasma isolates from zinnia (Zinnia elegans cv. Dahlia Flower) yellows, Queen-Annes-Lace (Daucus carota) yellows, scabiosa (Scabiosa atropurpurea cv. Giant Imperial) yellows, Swan River daisy (Brachycombe multifida cv. Misty Pink) yellows, pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) yellows, purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) yellows, and feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) yellows. The results indicate that HMA is a simple, rapid, highly sensitive and accurate method not only for identifying and classifying phytoplasmas but also for studying the molecular epidemiology of phytoplasmas.