Study on the Transfer of Foreign Genes into the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialisLam. Eggs by Spermatozoa

The possibility of transferring exogenous DNA into eggs by mussel Mytilus galloprovincialisLam. sperms both with the use of certain methods of transfection and without them was studied. The efficacy of egg fertilization by sperms treated with foreign DNA and the development of larvae at early stages of embryogenesis were evaluated. Negative effects of the contact between mussel sperms and exogenous DNA on fertilization and subsequent development were noted. The proportion of developing larvae decreased with increasing DNA concentration and sperm exposure. Transfer of plasmids pCMVlacZ and pMTbGHinto eggs was observed in group crosses. With the use of PCR, foreign DNA sequences were found in the larvae at the stage of veliger 48 h after fertilization. An intense signal was recorded after sperm electroporation in 10% DMSO.