[Integration and expression of the human somatotropic hormone gene in Teleostei]

Abstract

Plasmid DNA containing human growth hormone gene was microinjected into cytoplasm of loach (Misgurnus fossilis L.) fertilized eggs. After plasmid injection, more than 50% of embryos reached the hatching stage. In control experiments embryogenesis was completed giving 72.5% of injected and 90% of intact larvae. Southern blot hybridization analysis revealed integration of injected recombinant DNA constructions into fish chromosome's DNA (2-30 copies per genome), without any significant rearrangements. Significant increase in length and weight of transgenic fish was observed in experiments (P less than 0.01). S1-analysis of RNA demonstrated correlation of the amount of specific RNA molecules and the accelerated growth of the individual specimens and proper utilization of the transcriptional start points in transgenic fish.