Mos1 mediated Single Copy Insertion (MosSCI) is a method developed by the Jorgensen lab to insert single copies of transgenes into defined sites in the genome of Caenorhabditis elegans. MosSCI is described in Frøkjær-Jensen et al. (2008). The technique is based on the MosTIC technique developed by Robert & Bessereau (2007).

This page describes the most current protocol we use, a FAQ that describes some common questions and links to where you can get the reagents (Addgene and CGC) if you would like to try the technique.
Currently, we have insertion sites on chromosome II and IV. We are developing additional reagents and we will attempt to keep the site up to date with news. We would also like to encourage users of the technique to share reagents (for example additional insertion sites or modified vectors). Send us the info and we'll include it here on the site. 

Nomenclature

NEWS. Jonathan Hodgkin has determined that MosSCI inserts should have a new designation "Si". So, transgenes integrated by MosSCI are designated by italicized names consisting of the laboratory allele prefix, the two letters Si, and a number.

For example, inserts from the Jorgensen lab will be named oxSi31[Punc-122::GFP cb-unc-119(+)] II.

Note of caution

We have characterized the insertion sites for obvious phenotypes. However, we have not done any careful behavioral analysis or cell biology. Therefore, verify that the behavior or cellular process you are interested in is not affected in these strain backgrounds. Also, we encourage you to treat MosSCI inserts like you would treat an allele. It's always nice to have more than one. Most insertions are single copy and full length; however a fraction contain small deletions or insertions, secondary Mos1 transposon hops or duplicate insertions. Please take that into account when interpreting your data.

Troubleshooting

Please take a careful look at the FAQ and see if your questions are answered there before contacting us. We are generally happy to help but, you know, well, it's also quite time consuming...