The invention provides a Noctuid dsx splice cassette for expression of a gene of interest on a sex-specific basis, gene expression systems for imparting a self-limiting trait to transformed Noctuidae, as well as transgenic Noctuidae and methods of suppressing populations of Noctuidae and reducing, inhibiting or eliminating crop damage caused by the Noctuid insects.

Descried in certain example embodiments herein are engineered fish, particularly engineered catfish, that are engineered to contain modified myostatin, melanocortin-4 receptor, and/or one or more n-3 fatty acid biosynthesis pathway genes and/or gene products.

In alternative embodiments, the invention provides nucleic acid sequences that are genetic polymorphic variations of the human TMEM216 gene, and TMEM216 polypeptide encoded by these variant alleles. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides methods of determining or predicting a predisposition to, or the presence of, a ciliopathy (or any genetic disorder of a cellular cilia or cilia anchoring structure, basal body or ciliary function) in an individual, such as a Joubert Syndrome (JS), a Joubert Syndrome Related Disorder (JSRD) or a Meckel Syndrome (MKS). In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for the identification of genetic polymorphic variations in the human TMEM216 gene, and methods of using the identified genetic polymorphisms and the proteins they encode, e.g., to screen for compounds that can modulate the human TMEM216 gene product, and possibly treat JS, JSRD or MKS. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides cells, cell lines and/or non-human transgenic animals that can be used as screening or model systems for studying ciliopathies and testing various therapeutic approaches in treating ciliopathies, e.g., JS, JSRD or MKS.

Methods for inducing basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or BCC tumors, as well as an inducible non-human animal models of BCC, are defined herein. The methods and animal models comprise targeting Ptch1 and/or a tumor suppressor gene via conditional expression of one or more short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) in the skin of said animals.

Provided herein are isolated nucleic acids, vectors, recombinant cells, and transgenic animals capable of expressing at least one or more bluebuck gene variants associated with gray/blue coat color and/or melanogenesis and/or altered facial pattern. Also provided are methods of making recombinant cells and/or transgenic animals that comprise at least one bluebuck (Hippotragus leucophaeus) gene variant associated with gray/blue coat color and/or melanogenesis and/or altered facial pattern.