Gene Editing in Silkworm

Silkworms are economically important insects. The traits of silkworm species determine the yield, quality and value-added increase of follow-up products. Therefore, cultivating fine varieties has always been the goal of sericulture workers. Gene editing technology is an important means for functional gene research and biological genetic improvement. It is a powerful means to study insect genetic manipulation and gene function. In recent years, with the advancement of genome sequencing and the application of gene editing technology in silkworms, a good foundation has been laid for directional breeding and accelerated breeding progress.

Our Services for Gene Editing in Silkworm

Gene editing is an efficient and stable genetic manipulation system. A series of achievements have been made in silkworm sex determination, feeding regulation, development, resistance, and silk gland bioreactor research. Lifeasible provides silkworm gene editing services including antheraea pernyi, bombyx mori and philosamia cynthia ricini in order to provide a reference for gene function analysis, mutation model establishment, and genetic improvement of varieties in the post-genome era of the tussah silkworm.

• Target genes that can be gene-edited

Our Methods for Gene Editing in Silkworm

Lifeasible offers genome-targeted editing technologies (CRISPR/Cas9) to edit specific genes in antheraea pernyi, bombyx mori and philosamia cynthia ricini to conduct functional analysis of genes, establishment of mutation models, and genetic improvement of varieties.

Gene editing strategy

• Endogenous gene-targeted mutation in silkworm
• Validation of gene function by forward genetics

By the forward genetic targeting cloning method, the wild-type silkworm was used as the material, and Lifeasible knocked out the target gene by targeted mutation using genome targeting editing technology, and the phenotypic changes were compared with the natural mutant to verify the accuracy of the targeting cloning.

• Functional analysis of genes by reverse genetics

After screening the silkworm genome for endogenous genes whose functions have not been fully resolved or silkworm direct homologs of identified functional genes from other insect species (usually Drosophila) as targets by information analysis, Lifeasible uses genome targeted editing technology to create target gene knockout mutants in silkworm, and subsequently studies and analyzes the function of the target gene by examining the phenotypic and trait changes in the knockout mutant individuals.

• Breeding novel targeted mutant silkworm breeds

Lifeasible can create new mutant silkworm breeds with specific genetic and phenotypic differences by knocking out certain endogenous genes whose functions are already well defined through targeted mutations.

• Genomic structural mutations in silkworm

Lifeasible uses genome targeted editing technology to mediate GSVs such as deletions, inversions, and translocations of large segments of genomic DNA sequences while performing targeted mutagenesis operations on two or more target loci.

• Genomic targeted integration of silkworm exogenous genes

Lifeasible provides homologous recombination technology to cause double-strand breaks at specific sites in the silkworm genome. Using DSB repair mechanisms such as NHEJ or HR to knock-in foreign genes at specific points, CRISPR/Cas9 system is also applied to establish a precise integration into target chromosome system foreign gene integration strategy, so as to realize the site-specific integration of the foreign gene coding region of the silkworm gene.

• Point mutation knockout of silkworm exogenous genes

Lifeasible can achieve site-directed mutation knockout of foreign genes through the CRISPR/Cas9 system. At the same time, we can provide the tBE base editing system according to the customer's sample situation, and realize direct and reversible DNA base replacement without cutting the DNA.

Advantages

We use advanced gene editing methods to edit specific genes, analyze the functions of related genes, and explore the genetic and physiological mechanisms of antheraea pernyi, bombyx mori and philosamia cynthia ricini. we can edit the immune system-related genes, reproduction-related genes, and growth and development-related genes help to study these silkworms.

• How to Place an Order

Lifeasible offers complete, professional silkworm gene editing services, as well as customized experimental protocols based on your project requirements and sample characteristics. If you are interested in our services or if you have any questions, please click online inquiry for more detailed information.

About Silkworm

The silkworm (Bombyx mori) is an insect of the order Lepidoptera, one of the economic insects that feed on mulberry leaves and spits cocoons, and is a major source of raw material for silk, which has important economic benefits. In addition to being used in clothing and textiles, it is also used in medicine, beauty care, and as a high-quality biomaterial for human beings.

As a recognized "queen of fibers", silk has a graceful and elegant luster, light and comfortable touch, good draping and curvature of clothing, high breathability and moisture permeability, and affinity to human skin and other fiber properties, so it has been classified as a high-end textile fiber material.

Silkworm is the earliest economic insect to be domesticated and reared artificially. The silkworm has a short life cycle, fast growth rate, suitable for mass rearing, and a clear genetic background, and is also an important lepidopteran model insect for functional gene analysis in the post-genomic era.