Abstract: OBJECTIVE： To establish model of HIV-1 gene transmission and experimental basis for true vertical transmission of HIV via female germ cells. METHODS： PIRES2-EGFP-gag plasmid containing HIV-1 gag gene was injected into mouse ovaries to transfect germ cells. Induction of superovulation was then used to produce oocytes. PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed to detect the intergration of HIV-1 gag DNA in chromosomes of oocyte. RESULTS：It was possible to identify oocytes which carried the HIV-1 gag gene by the presence of green fluorescence. PCR demonstrated the positive bands for HIV-1 gag gene in the tested oocytes with green fluorescence. FISH revealed the positive signals for HIV-1 gag DNA in chromosomes of the oocytes. CONCLUSION： HIV-1 gag gene was able to pass through zona pellucida and plasma membrane of oocyte and became integrated into the host genome. Our results provided solid evidence that HIV-1 gag gene could be transmitted vertically to the next generation via female germ line.

Key words: HIV-1 gag gene, vertical transmission model, mouse oocyte