Insertion patterns of P{lacW} and P{EP} artificial transposons on the third chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Insertional mutagenesis experiments performed on Drosophila melanogaster model often relies on induced mobilization of artificial transposons derived from P mobile element. In an attempt to detect transposition preferences, we accomplished a pilot study concerning the insertional patterns of P{lacW} and P{EP} constructs in the third chromosome of D. melanogaster. Our inventory inquiry considered 2177 insertions of P{lacW} and 1646 insertions of P{EP} available in FB2016_02 release of FlyBase and revealed insertional hotspots and coldspots in 3L and 3R, but also a preference of both artificial transposons to insert in 3R. The general distribution of P{lacW} and P{EP} insertions appears to be similar but not identical, probably due to differences in size and molecular architecture of these transposons. Our results may have predictive value for experimental design of insertional mutagenesis screenings, but are also expected to contribute to a better understanding of P transposon biology.