Transient expression of two luciferase reporter gene constructs in developing embryos of Macrobrachium lanchesteri (De Man)

Abstract

Two gene constructs, pMTLuc and pRSVLuc, were microinjected into the muscle tissue of developing Macrobrachium lanchesteri (De Man) embryos. Both constructs expressed efficiently and the luciferase activities were still detectable 10 days after injection. PCR results demonstrated that pMTLuc persisted as long as and even beyond 10 days in some embryos. Embryos in their later developmental stages expressed higher levels of pRSVLuc than those in their early stage. Expression of pRSVLuc was occasionally detected when the plasmid was injected into the presumptive eyestalk area of the embryo.