USDA, ARS, CMAVE 1700 SW 23rd Drive                       Gainesville, Florida 32608 352 374-5793   CV

Dr. Handler is a Research Geneticist (Insects), a position he has held since 1985. During his tenure with ARS, he has made numerous fundamental contributions to understanding and manipulating the genes of tephritid fruit flies, a group of invasive pests of great agricultural importance both in terms crop loss and the erection of trade barriers.  He, along with visiting students and post-doctoral associates in his laboratory were among the pioneers of genetic transfer in fruit flies.

Following studies of P element vector transferability in related species of drosophilids, he utilized the piggyBac transposon to transform pest tephritids including the Caribbean fruit fly (Anastrepha suspensa), Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) and oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis). He has since proposed and tested new female-specific and uni-sexual conditional autocidal techniques that promise to eliminate females early in development for males-only strains and to replace irradiation of these males for sterility, that can seriously degrade the sexual performance of insects destined for SIT mass-releases

More recently, Dr. Handler has turned his attention to eliminating the possibility of inadvertent horizontal transfer of exotic transgenes into non-target, populations and species. This danger has been a principal obstacle to the more widespread use of genetically modified insects in biologically-based control programs and its removal could contribute to a genetic-transformation renaissance in the field of entomology.  He and colleagues have received a patent for a novel method of targeting transgene insertions to specific genomic positions and immobilizing them for genomic stability ("Systems for gene targeting and producing stable genomic transgene insertions").

Dr. Handler will continue with studies underlying the production of conditional autocidal strains. He will create new piggyBac vectors, and newly discovered hopper transposon vectors, with new fluorescent protein markers and conditional lethal constructs. He plans to initiate germline transformation and CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing experiments, and conduct fitness and reproductive competitiveness studies for genetically marked insects. He will perform molecular analysis of conditional lethal transgenic strains, initiate phenotypic analysis and perform risk assessment for environmental impact statements. He will be particularly interested in additional molecular constructs that limit horizontal transfers in nature. This work will ultimately result in both new genetic tools for pest control, and also make their adoption by control programs more likely by providing a high degree of environmental safety.

Publications, Projects, & Patents

• Projects

  Sterile Male Fruit Fly Strains for Improved Biologically-Based Population Control Cooperative Agreement (A)   Accession Number:440706

  Improved Biologically-Based Methods for Management of Native and Invasive Crop Insect Pests In-House Appropriated (D)   Accession Number:439207

  An Assessment of Genetic Breakdown and Transposon Vector Horizontal Transfer as it Affects Transgenic Strain Stability in Insect Species Interagency Reimbursable Agreement (I)   Accession Number:438800

  Female-specific Conditional Lethality Genetic-Sexing Strains For Improved SIT Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement (N)   Accession Number:432847

  Enabling Sustainable Control Of Fruit-fly Agricultural Pests Using CRISPR-Editing Of High-throughput Selectable Traits Of Target Insect Species Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement (R)   Accession Number:444629

• Publications

  • (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)
  • A transposon-based genetic marker for species-specific identity in the Bactrocera dorsalis complex -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Zimowska, G.J., Xavier, N., Qadri, M., Handler, A.M. 2024. A transposon-based genetic marker for species-specific identity in the Bactrocera dorsalis complex. Scientific Reports. 14:1924. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-51068-2.
    
  • The hAT-family hopper transposon exists as highly similar yet discontinuous elements in the Bactrocera tephritid fly genus -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Furlong, R.B. 2024. The hAT-family hopper transposon exists as highly similar yet discontinuous elements in the Bactrocera tephritid fly genus. Insect Molecular Biology. 33(1):1-10. https://doi.org/10.1111/imb.12891.
    
  • Sequence and expression analysis of the spermatogenesis-specific gene cognates, wampa and Prosa6T, in Drosophila suzukii -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Xia, Q., Tariq, K., Hahn, D.A., Handler, A.M. 2023. Sequence and expression analysis of the spermatogenesis-specific gene cognates, wampa and Prosa6T, in Drosophila suzukii. Genetica. 151:215-223. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10709-023-00189-7.
    
  • Tephritid fruit fly transgenesis and applications -(Book / Chapter)
    Handler, A.M., Schetelig, M.F. 2022. Tephritid fruit fly transgenesis and applications. Book Chapter. 416-440. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781800621176.0021.
    
  • Mitochondrial superoxide dismutase overexpression and low oxygen conditioning hormesis improve the performance of irradiated sterile males -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Dias, V.S., Caceres, C., Parker, A.G., Pereira, R., Demirbas-Uzel, G., Abd-Alla, A.M., Teets, N.M., Schetelig, M.F., Handler, A.M., Hahn, D.A. 2021. Mitochondrial superoxide dismutase overexpression and low oxygen conditioning hormesis improve the performance of irradiated sterile males. Scientific Reports. 11. Article 20182. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-99594-1.
    
  • Toxicological risk assessment of some commonly used insecticides on cotesia flavipes, a larval parasitoid of the spotted stem borer chilo partellus -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Raen-Akhtar, Z., Tariq, K., Handler, A.M., Ali, A., Zang,, L., Ullah, F., Ali, S., Ullah, M.I. 2021. Toxicological risk assessment of some commonly used insecticides on cotesia flavipes, a larval parasitoid of the spotted stem borer chilo partellus. Ecotoxicology. 30(3):448-458. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-021-02372-y.
    
  • The hAT-family transposable element, hopper, from Bactrocera dorsalis is a vector for insect germline transformation -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Schetelig, M. 2020. The hAT-family transposable element, hopper, from Bactrocera dorsalis is a functional vector for insect germline transformation. BioMed Central (BMC) Genetics. 21, Article 137. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12863-020-00942-3.
    
  • Genetic breakdown of a transgenic Tet-off conditional lethality system for insect population control -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Zhao, Y., Schetelig, M., Handler, A.M. 2020. Genetic breakdown of a transgenic Tet-off conditional lethality system for insect population control. Nature Communications. 11:3095. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-16807-3.
    
  • Transcriptome analysis of the Oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis early embryos -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Peng, W., Yu, S., Handler, A.M., Zhang, H. 2020. Transcriptome analysis of the Oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis early embryos. Insects. 11(5):323. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11050323.
    
  • Gene content evolution in the arthropods -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Thomas, G.C., Dohmen, E., Hughes, D.T., Murali, S.C., Poelchau, M.F., Glastad, K., Anstead, C.A., Ayoub, N.A., Batterham, P., Bellair, M., Childers, C., Duan, J.J., Gundersen, D.E., Handler, A.M., Hunter, W.B., Scully, E.D., Hackett, K.J., et all. 2020. Gene content evolution in the arthropods. Genome Biology. 21:15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13059-019-1925-7.
    
  • miRNA-1-3p, is an early embryonic male sex-determining factor in the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Peng, W., Yu, S., Handler, A.M., Tu, Z., Saccone, G., Xi, Z., Zhang, H. 2020. miRNA-1-3p, is an early embryonic male sex-determining factor in the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. Nature Communications. 11:932. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-14622-4.
    
  • Overexpression of an antioxidant enzyme improves male mating performance after stress in a lek-mating fruit fly -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Teets, N.M., Dias, V., Pierce, B., Schetelig, M.F., Handler, A.M., Hahn, D.A. 2019. Overexpression of an antioxidant enzyme improves male mating performance after stress in a lek-mating fruit fly. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 286(1904):20190898. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.0531.
    
  • CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in an exogenous transgene and an endogenous sex determination gene in the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Li, J., Handler, A.M. 2019. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in an exogenous transgene and an endogenous sex determination gene in the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa. Gene. 691:160-166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2018.12.055.
    
  • Arthropod genomics research in the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service: Applications of RNA interference and CRISPR gene editing technologies in pest control-(Review Article)
    Gundersen, D.E., Adrianos, S.L., Allen, M.L., Becnel, J.J., Chen, Y., Choi, M.Y., Estep, A., Evans, J.D., Garczynski, S.F., Geib, S.M., Ghosh, S.B., Handler, A.M., Hasegawa, D.K., Heerman, M.C., Hull, J.J., Hunter, W.B., Kaur, N., Li, J., Li, W., Ling, K., Nayduch, D., Oppert, B.S., Perera, O.P., Perkin, L.C., Sanscrainte, N.D., Sim, S.B., Sparks, M., Temeyer, K.B., Vander Meer, R.K., Wintermantel, W.M., James, R.R., Hackett, K.J., Coates, B.S. 2017. Arthropod genomics research in the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service: Applications of RNA interference and CRISPR gene editing technologies in pest control. Trends in Entomology. 13:109-137.
    
  • Recommendations for laboratory containment and management of gene drive systems in arthropods -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Benedict, M.Q., Bier, E.A., Burt, A., Capurro, M.L., De Barro, P., Handler, A.M., Hayes, K.R., Marshall, J.M., Tabachnick, W.J., Adelman, Z.N. 2018. Recommendations for laboratory containment and management of gene drive systems in arthropods. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. 18(1):2-13. https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2121.
    
  • Temperature-dependent sex-reversal by a transformer-2 gene-edited mutation in the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Li, J., Handler, A.M. 2017. Temperature-dependent sex-reversal by a transformer-2 gene-edited mutation in the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii. Scientific Reports. 7:12363. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-12405-4.
    
  • Cre/lox-recombinase-mediated cassette exchange for reversible site-specific genomic targeting of the disease vector, Aedes aegypti -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Hacker, I., Harrell Ii, R., Eichnerd, G., Pilitt, K., O Brochta, D., Handler, A.M., Schetelig, M.F. 2017. Cre/lox-recombinase-mediated cassette exchange for reversible site-specific genomic targeting of the disease vector, Aedes aegypti. Scientific Reports. 7:43883. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep43883.
    
  • The whole genome sequence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedmann), reveals insights into the biology and adaptive evolution of a highly invasive pest species -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Papanicolaou, A., Schetelig, M.F., Arensburger, P., Atkinson, P.W., Benoit, J.B., Bourtzis, K., Castanera, P., Cavanaugh, J.P., Chao, H., Childers, C., Curril, I., Dinh, H., Doddaapaneli, H.V., Dolan, A., Dugan, S., Friedrich, M., Gasperi, G., Geib, S.M., Georgakilas, G., Gibbs, R.A., Giers, S.D., Gomulski, L.M., Gonzalez-Guzman, M., Guillem-Amat, A., Han, Y., Hatzigeorgiou, A.G., Hernandez-Crespo, P., Hughes, D.S., Jones, J.W., Karagkouni, D., Koskinioti, P., Lee, S.L., Malacrida, A.R., Manni, M., Mathiopoulos, K., Murali, S.C., Murphy, T.D., Muzny, D.M., Oberhofer, G., Ortego, F., Paraskevopoulou, M.D., Poelchau, M.F., Qu, J., Reczko, M., Robertson, H.M., Rosendale, A.J., Rosselot, A.E., Saccone, G., Salvemini, M., Savini, G., Schreiner, P., Scolari, F., Siciliano, P., Sim, S.B., Tsiamis, G., Urena, E., Vlachos, I.S., Werren, J.H., Wimmer, E.A., Worley, K.C., Zacharopoulou, A., Richards, S., Handler, A.M. 2016. The whole genome sequence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedmann), reveals insights into the biology and adaptive evolution of a highly invasive pest species. Genome Biology. 17:192. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13059-016-1049-2.
    
  • Tetracycline-suppressible female lethality and sterility in the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Schetelig, M.F., Targovska, A., Meza, J.S., Bourtzis, K., Handler, A.M. 2016. Tetracycline-suppressible female lethality and sterility in the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens. Insect Molecular Biology. 25(4):500-508. https://doi.org/10.1111/imb.12238.
    
  • Germline transformation of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi)(Diptera:Tephritidae) with a piggyBac transposon vector -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Genc, H., Schetelig, M.F., Xavier, N., Handler, A.M. 2015. Germline transformation of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi)(Diptera:Tephritidae) with a piggyBac transposon vector. Turkish Journal of Biology. 40:845-855. https://doi.org/10.3906/biy-1510-55.
    
  • Arthropod genomics research in the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service: Current impacts and future prospects-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Coates, B.S., Poelchau, M.F., Childers, C., Evans, J.D., Handler, A.M., Guerrero, F., Skoda, S.R., Hopper, K.R., Wintermantel, W.M., Ling, K., Hunter, W.B., Oppert, B.S., Perez De Leon, A.A., Hackett, K.J., Shoemaker, D.D. 2015. Arthropod genomics research in the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service: Current impacts and future prospects. Trends in Entomology. 11(1):1-27.
    
  • The role of the transformer gene in sex determination and reproduction in the tephritid fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Peng, W., Wenping, Z., Handler, A.M., Zhang, H. 2015. The role of the transformer gene in sex determination and reproduction in the tephritid fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). Genetica. 143(6):717-727.
    
  • Enhancing the stability and ecological safety of mass-reared transgenic strains for field release by redundant conditional lethality systems-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M. 2015. Enhancing the stability and ecological safety of mass-reared transgenic strains for field release by redundant conditional lethality systems. Insect Science. doi: 10.1111/1744-7919.12245.
    
  • Pro-apoptotic gene regulation and its activation by gamma-irradiation in the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Nirmala, X., Schetelig, M.F., Zimowska, G.J., Handler, A.M., Zhou, L. 2015. Pro-apoptotic gene regulation and its activation by gamma-irradiation in the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa. Apoptosis. 20(1):1-9.
    
  • Male-specific Y-linked transgene markers to enhance biologically-based control of the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Meza, J., Schetelig, M.F., Zepeda-Cisneros, C., Handler, A.M. 2014. Male-specific Y-linked transgene markers to enhance biologically-based control of the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae). BMC Medical Genetics. 15(Suppl. 2):1-7.
    
  • Fitness cost implications of phiC31-mediated site-specific integrations in target-site strains of the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Meza, J.S., Diaz-Fleischer, F., Sanchez-Velasquez, L.R., Zepeda-Cisneros, C., Handler, A.M., Schetelig, M.F. 2014. Fitness cost implications of phiC31-mediated site-specific integrations in target-site strains of the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae). PLoS One. 10(9):e109690. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109690.
    
  • Not all GMOs are crop plants: non-plant GMO applications in agriculture-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Hokanson, K.E., Handler, A.M., Schetelig, M.F., St.Leger, R.J., Dawson, W.O. 2013. Not all GMOs are crop plants: non-plant GMO applications in agriculture. Transgenic Research. Online: (DOI) 10.1007/s11248-013-9769-5.
    
  • Tephritid fruit fly transgenesis and applications-(Book / Chapter)
    
    
  • Germline transformation of the spotted wing drosophilid, Drosophila suzukii, with a piggyBac transposon vector-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Schetelig, M., Handler, A.M. 2013. Germline transformation of the spotted wing drosophilid, Drosophila suzukii, with a piggyBac transposon vector. Genetica. 141(4-6):189-193.
    
  • Y-Linked markers for improved population control of the tephritid fruit fly pest, Anastrepha suspensa-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Schetelig, M.F., Handler, A.M. 2013. Y-Linked markers for improved population control of the tephritid fruit fly pest, Anastrepha suspensa. Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology. Available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/10 _2013_209.
    
  • A functional comparison of the 3XP3 promoter by recombinase-mediated cassette exchange in Drosophila and tephritid fly, Anastrepha suspensa-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Schetelig, M.A., Handler, A.M. 2013. A functional comparison of the 3XP3 promoter by recombinase-mediated cassette exchange in Drosophila and tephritid fly, Anastrepha suspensa. G3:Genes, Genomes, and Genomics. 3:687-693.
    
  • An EST database of the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrephas suspensa (Diptera:Tephritidae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Xavier, N., Fahong, Y., Schetelig, M.A., Handler, A.M. 2013. An EST database of the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrephas suspensa (Diptera:Tephritidae). Gene. 517:212-217.
    
  • A transgenic embryonic sexing system for Anastrepha suspensa (Diptera:Tephritidae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Schetelig, M.A., Handler, A.M. 2012. A transgenic embryonic sexing system for Anastrepha suspensa (Diptera:Tephritidae). Journal of Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 42:790-795.
    
  • FLP recombinase-mediated site-specific recombination in silkworm, Bombyx mori-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Long, D., Zhao, A., Chen, X., Zhang, Y., Lu, W., Guo, Q., Handler, A.M. 2012. FLP recombinase-mediated site-specific recombination in silkworm, Bombyx mori. PLoS One. 7(6):e40150. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.00401.
    
  • Strategy for enhanced transgenic strain development for embryonic conditionnal lethality in Anastrepha suspensa-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Schetelig, M.A., Handler, A.M. 2012. Strategy for enhanced transgenic strain development for embryonic conditionnal lethality in Anastrepha suspensa. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 109(24):9348-9353.
    
  • The use and manipulation of insect reproductive molecules for controlling insect populations-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Male only progeny in Anastrepha suspensa by RNAi-induced sex reversion of chromosomal females-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Schetelig, M.A., Milano, A., Saccone, G., Handler, A.M. 2012. Male only progeny in Anastrepha suspensa by RNAi-induced sex reversion of chromosomal females. Journal of Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 42:51-57.
    
  • Transposable elements for insect transformation-(Book / Chapter)
    Handler, A.M., O'Brochta, D.A. 2012. Transposable elements for insect transformation. In: Gilbert, L.I.,editor. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. London, United Kingdom: Academic Press. p. 90-133.
    
  • Pro-apoptotic cell death genes, hid and reaper, from the tephritid pest species, Anastrepha suspensa-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Schetelig, M.A., Xavier, N., Handler, A.M. 2011. Pro-apoptotic cell death genes, hid and reaper, from the tephritid pest species, Anastrepha suspensa. International Congress On Apoptosis. 16(8):759-768.
    
  • Conditional lethality strains for the biological control of Anastrepha species-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • A DsRed fluorescent protein marker under polyubiquitin promoter regulation allows visual and amplified gene detection of transgenic Caribbean fruit flies in liquid traps-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Nirmala, X., Olson, S., Holler, T., Cho, K., Handler, A.M. 2011. A DsRed fluorescent protein marker under polyubiquitin promoter regulation allows visual and amplified gene detection of transgenic Caribbean fruit flies in liquid traps. Biocontrol. 56(3):333-340.
    
  • Recombination technologies for enhanced transgene stability in bioengineered insects-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Schetelig, M.A., Gotschel, F., Viktorinova, I., Handler, A.M., Wimmer, E. 2011. Recombination technologies for enhanced transgene stability in bioengineered insects. Genetica. 139:71-78.
    
  • Germ-line transformation of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, using a piggyBac vector in the presence of endogenous piggyBac elements-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Raphael, K.A., Streamer, K., Morrow, J.L., Handler, A.M., Frommer, M., Shearman, D.C. 2011. Germ-line transformation of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, using a piggyBac vector in the presence of endogenous piggyBac elements. Genetica. 139:91-97.
    
  • Development of transgenic strains for the biological control of the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Meza, J., Xavier, N., Zimowska, G.J., Zepeda, C., Handler, A.M. 2011. Development of transgenic strains for the biological control of the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens. Genetica. 139:53-62.
    
  • Embryonic transcriptome analysis of the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Embryonic transcriptome analysis of the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • New genetic tools for improving SIT in Ceratitis capitata: embryonic lethality and sperm marking-(Book / Chapter)
    Schetelig, M.F., Scolari, F., Handler, A.M., Gasperi, G., Wimmer, E.A. 2009. New genetic tools for improving SIT in Ceratitis capitata: embryonic lethality and sperm marking. Fruit Flies of Economic Importance International Symposium. 299-305.
    
  • Quality Testing of Three Species of Tephritid Fruit Flies After Embryo Cryopreservation-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Leopold, R.A., Rajamohan, A., Shelly, T.E., Handler, A.M. 2010. Quality Testing of Three Species of Tephritid Fruit Flies After Embryo Cryopreservation. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 103(2):264-272.
    
  • Quality testing of three species of Tephritid fruit flies after embryo cryopreservation-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Leopold, R.A., Rajamohan, A., Shelly, T.E., Handler, A.M. 2010. Quality testing of three species of Tephritid fruit flies after embryo cryopreservation. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 103(2):264-272.
    
  • Site-specific recombination for the modification of transgenic strains of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Schetelig, M.F., Scolari, F., Handler, A.M., Kittelmann, S., Gasperi, G., Wimmer, E.A. 2009. Site-specific recombination for the modification of transgenic strains of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 106(43):18171-18176.
    
  • The ß 2-tubulin gene from three tephritid fruit fly species and use of its promoter for sperm marking-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Zimowaska, G.J., Nirmala, X., Handler, A.M. 2009. The ß 2-tubulin gene from three tephritid fruit fly species and use of its promoter for sperm marking. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 30:508-515.
    
  • Characterization of the proteasome ß2 subunit gene and its mutant allele in the tephritid fruit fly pest, Anastrepha suspensa-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Nirmala, X., Zimowska, G., Handler, A.M. 2009. Characterization of the proteasome ß2 subunit gene and its mutant allele in the tephritid fruit fly pest, Anastrepha suspensa. Insect Molecular Biology. 18(3):333-340.
    
  • Development and utilization of transgenic New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Allen, M.L., Skoda, S.R. 2009. Development and utilization of transgenic New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax. Medical and Veterinary Entomology. 23(s1):98-105.
    
  • Highly similar piggyBac elements in Bactrocera that share a common lineage with elements in noctuid moths-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Zimowska, G., Armstrong, K.F. 2008. Highly similar piggyBac elements in Bactrocera that share a common lineage with elements in noctuid moths. Insect Molecular Biology. 17(4):387-393
    
  • Perspectives on the state of insect transgenics-(Book / Chapter)
    O'Brochta, D.A., Handler, A.M. 2008. Perspectives on the state of insect transgenics. In: Aksoy, S., editor. Transgenesis and the Management of Vector-Borne Disease. Vol. 627. New York, NY: Landes Bioscience. p. 1-18.
    
  • Active Integration: New Strategies for Transgenesis-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Shinohara, E.T., Kaminski, J.M., Segal, D.J., Pelczar, P., Kolhe, R., Ryan, T., Coates, C.J., Fraser, M.J., Handler, A.M., Yanagimachi, R., Moisyadi, S. 2007. Active integration: New strategies for transgenesis. Transgenic Research. 16:333-339.
    
  • Can the technical issues related to risk assessment of transgenic arthropods be solved?-(Research Technical Update)
    Atkinson, P.W., Handler, A.M. 2006. Can the technical issues related to risk assessment of transgenic arthropods be solved? International Atomic Energy Agency-TEC-DOC 1483:57-68.
    
  • Development of an embryonic lethality system for transgenic sit in the fruit pest, ceratitis capitata-(Book / Chapter)
    Schetelig, M.F., Horn, C., Handler, A.M., Wimmer, E.A. 2007. Development of an embryonic lethality system for transgenic sit in the fruit pest, ceratitis capitata. IAEA-FAO Area Wide Insect Management Symposium Proceedings. 85-93.
    
  • Use of missense proteasome subunits for conditional lethality in the tephritid fruit flies Anastrepha suspensa and Ceratitis capitata-(Proceedings)
    Xavier, N., Handler, A.M. 2006. Use of missense proteasome subunits for conditional lethality in the tephritid fruit flies Anastrepha suspensa and Ceratitis capitata. Fruit Flies of Economic Importance International Symposium, September 10-11, 2006, Salvador, Brazil.
    
  • PiggyBac:A flexible and highly active transposon as compared to Sleeping Beauty, Tol2, and Mos1 in mammalian cells-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Wu, S.C., Meir, Y.J., Coates, C.J., Handler, A.M., Pelczar, P., Moisyadi, S., Kaminski, J.M. 2006. PiggyBac: A flexible and highly active transposon as compared to Sleeping Beauty, Tol2, and Mos1 in mammalian cells. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 103:15008-15013.
    
  • NEW TRANSFORMATION VECTORS FOR IMPROVED SIT AND ECOLOGICAL SAFETY IN TEPHRITID SPECIES-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • INSECT TRANSGENESIS: MECHANISMS, APPLICATIONS AND ECOLOGICAL SAFETY-(Book / Chapter)
    Handler, A.M., Atkinson, P.W. 2006. Insect transgenesis: mechanisms, applications and ecological safety. In: Harding, S.E., editor. Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Reviews. Vol. 23. Lavoisier/Intercept. p. 129-156.
    
  • AREAS OF CONCERN FOR THE EVALUATION OF TRANSGENIC ARTHROPODS-(Research Technical Update)
    Handler, A.M., Atkinson, P.W. 2006. AREAS OF CONCERN FOR THE EVALUATION OF TRANSGENIC ARTHROPODS. International Atomic Energy Agency. IAEA Tech. Doc 1483.pps. 46-56.
    
  • Use Of Missense Proteasome Subunits For Conditional Lethality In the Tephritid Fruit Flies Anastrepha Suspensa And Ceratitis Capitata-(Proceedings)
    Xavier, N., Handler, A.M. 2006. Use Of Missense Proteasome Subunits For Conditional Lethality In the Tephritid Fruit Flies Anastrepha Suspensa And Ceratitis Capitata. 5th International Symposium on Molecular Insect Science, May 21, 2006, Tucson, Arizona.
    
  • NEW PIGGYBAC VECTORS FOR FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS AND TRANSGENIC INSECT RELEASE-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • HIGHLY CONSERVED PIGGYBAC ELEMENTS IN NOCTUID SPECIES OF LEPIDOPTERA-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Zimowska, G.J., Handler, A.M. 2006. HIGHLY CONSERVED PIGGYBAC ELEMENTS IN NOCTUID SPECIES OF LEPIDOPTERA. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 3:421-428.
    
  • Improving the ecological safety of transgenic insects for field release: New vectors for stability and genomic targeting-(Book / Chapter)
    Handler, A.M., Zimowska, G.J., Horn, C. 2007. Improving the ecological safety of transgenic insects for field release: New vectors for stability and genomic targeting. Area-Wide Control of Insect Pests: From Research to Field Implementation. 73-83.
    
  • SITE-SPECIFIC GENOMIC TARGETING IN DROSOPHILA-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Horn, C., Handler, A.M. 2005. Site-specific genomic targeting in Drosophila. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 102:12483-12488.
    
  • GENETIC TRANSFORMATION-(Book / Chapter)
    Handler, A.M. 2004. Genetic transformation. In: Capinera, J.L., editor. Encyclopedia of Entomology, Vol. 3. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers. pps. 1211-1214.
    
  • Terminal region proximal internal domain sequences of the piggyBac transposon are necessary for efficient transformation of target genomes-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Li, X., Harrell, R.A., Handler, A.M., Beam, T., Hennessy, K., Fraser, Jr., M.J. 2005. Terminal region proximal internal domain sequences of the piggyBac transposon are necessary for efficient transformation of target genomes. Insect Molecular Biology. 14:17-30.
    
  • POST-INTEGRATION STABILIZATION OF A TRANSPOSON VECTOR BY TERMINAL SEQUENCE DELETION IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Zimowska, G.J., Horn, C. 2004. Post-integration stabilization of a transposon vector by terminal sequence deletion. Nature Biotechnology. 22:1150-1154.
    
  • TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENTS FOR INSECT TRANSFORMATION-(Book / Chapter)
    Handler, A.M., O'Brochta, D.A. 2005. Transposable elements for insect transformation. In: Gilbert, L.I., Iatrou, K., Gill, S.S., editors. Comprenehsive Molecular Insect Science, Volume 4. Oxford, UK: Elsevier. p. 437-474.
    
  • PIGGYBAC TRANSFORMATION OF THE NEW WORLD SCREWWORM, COCHLIOMYIA HOMINIVORAX, PRODUCES MULTIPLE DISTINCT MUTANT STRAINS-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    ALLEN, M.L., HANDLER, A.M., BERKEBILE, D.R., SKODA, S.R. PIGGYBAC TRANSFORMATION OF THE NEW WORLD SCREWWORM, COCHLIOMYIA HOMINIVORAX, PRODUCES MULTIPLE DISTINCT MUTANT STRAINS. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY, 18(1), p. 1-9. 2004.
    
  • Understanding and improving transgene stability and expression in insects for SIT and conditional lethal release programs-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M. 2004. Understanding and improving transgene stability and expression in insects for SIT and conditional lethal release programs. Journal of Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 34:121-130.
    
  • USE OF TRANSGENIC STRAINS OF INSECTS IN THE SCREWWORM PROGRAM-(Other)
    ALLEN, M.L., HANDLER, A.M., BERKEBILE, D.R., SKODA, S.R., SCHOLL, P.J. USE OF TRANSGENIC STRAINS OF INSECTS IN THE SCREWWORM PROGRAM. Fourth transgenesis and genomics of INVERTEBRATE Organisms. Pacific Grove, California, May 11-15, 2003.
    
  • Advances in the molecular genetic analysis of insects and their application to pest management-(Review Article)
    Handler, A.M., Beeman, R.W. 2003. Advances in the molecular genetic analysis of insects and their application to pest management. Pest Management Science. 59:728-735.
    
  • Prospects for using genetic transformation for improved SIT and new biocontrol methods-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M. 2002. Prospects for using genetic transformation for improved SIT and new biocontrol methods. Genetica. 116:137-149.
    
  • Isolation and analysis of a new hopper hAT transposon from the Bactrocera dorsalis white eye strain-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M. 2003. Isolation and analysis of a new hopper hAT transposon from the Bactrocera dorsalis white eye strain. Genetica. 118:18-24.
    
  • TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENT-MEDIATED TRANSGENIC INSECTS IN THE SCREWWORM PROGRAM-(Other)
    
    
  • Use of the piggyBac transposon for germ-line transformation of insects-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M. 2002. Use of the piggyBac transposon for germ-line transformation of insects. Journal of Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 32:1211-1220.
    
  • Germ-line transformation of the South American malaria vector, Anopheles albimanus, with a piggyBac/EGFP transposon vector is routine and highly efficient-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Harrell Ii, R.A., Handler, A.M. 2002. Germ-line transformation of the South American malaria vector, Anopheles albimanus, with a piggyBac/EGFP transposon vector is routine and highly efficient. Insect Molecular Biology. 11:291-297.
    
  • CRYOPRESERVATION OF FRUIT FLY (TEPHRITIDAE) EMBRYOS-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • A Polyubiquitin-regulated DsRed marker for transgenic insects-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Harrell Ii, R.A. 2001. A Polyubiquitin-regulated DsRed marker for transgenic insects. Biotechniques. 31:820-828.
    
  • CRYOPRESERVATION OF CARIBBEAN FRUIT FLY (ANASTREPHA SUSPENSA) EMBRYOS-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • A current perspective on insect gene transfer-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M. 2001. A current perspective on insect gene transfer. Journal of Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 31:111-128.
    
  • The piggyBac transposon mediates germ-line transformation in the oriental fruit fly and closely related elements exist in its genome-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Mccombs, S.D. 2000. The piggyBac transposon mediates germ-line transformation in the oriental fruit fly and closely related elements exist in its genome. Insect Molecular Biology. 9:605-612.
    
  • Transformation of the Caribbean fruit fly with a piggyBac transposon vector marked with polyubiquitin-regulated GFP-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Harrell, R.A. 2001. Transformation of the Caribbean fruit fly with a piggyBac transposon vector marked with polyubiquitin-regulated GFP. Journal of Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 31:199-205.
    
  • An introduction to the history and methodology if insect gene transfer-(Book / Chapter)
    Handler, A.M. 2000. An introduction to the history and methodology if insect gene transfer. Book Chapter. pps. 3-26.
    
  • Germline transformation of Drosophila melanogaster with piggyBac transposon vector-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Harrell, R.A. 1999. Germline transformation of Drosophila melanogaster with piggyBac transposon vector. Insect Molecular Biology. 8:449-458.
    
  • The lepidopteran transposon vector, piggyBac, mediates germline transformation in the Mediterranean fruitfly-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Mccombs, S.D., Fraser, M.J., Saul, S.H. 1998. The lepidopteran transposon vector, piggyBac, mediates germline transformation in the Mediterranean fruitfly. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 95:7520-7525.
    
  • Developmental regulation of yolk protein gene expression in Anastrepha suspensa-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M. 1997. Developmental regulation of yolk protein gene expression in Anastrepha suspensa. Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology. 6:25-35.
    
  • P-element excision in Drosophila is stimulated by gamma-irradiation in transient embryonic assays-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Gomez, S.P. 1997. P-element excision in Drosophila is stimulated by gamma-irradiation in transient embryonic assays. Genetical Research. 70:75-78.
    
  • A Drosophila melanogaster hobo-white + vector mediates low frequency gene transfer in D. vlrllls with full Interspecific white + complementation-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Gomea, S.P., Handler, A.M. 1997. A Drosophila melanogaster hobo-white + vector mediates low frequency gene transfer in D. vlrllls with full Interspecific white + complementation. Insect Molecular Biology. 6:165-171.
    
  • A NEW HAT TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENT FROM BACTROCERA DORSALIS, HOPPER, IS DISTANTLY RELATED TO HOBO AND AC-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    
    
  • A new hobo, Ac, Tam3 transposable element, hopper, from Bactrocera dorsalis is distantly related to hobo and Ac-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Gomez, S.P. 1977. A new hobo, Ac, Tam3 transposable element, hopper, from Bactrocera dorsalis is distantly related to hobo and Ac. GENE-Elsevier. 185:133-135.
    
  • THE HOBO TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENT EXCISES AND HAS RELATED ELEMENTED IN TEPHRITID SPECIES-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    
    
  • The hobo transposable element excises and has related elements in tephritid species-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Gomez, S.P. 1966. The hobo transposable element excises and has related elements in tephritid species. Genetics. 143:1339-1347.
    
  • The hobo transposable element has transposase-dependent and -independent excision activity in drosophilid species-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Gomez, S.P. 1995. The hobo transposable element has transposase-dependent and -independent excision activity in drosophilid species. Molecular and General Genetics. 247:399-408.
    
  • Negative regulation of P element excision by the somatic product and terminal sequences of P in drosophila melanogaster-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Gomez, S.P., O'Brochta, D.A. 1993. Negative regulation of P element excision by the somatic product and terminal sequences of P in drosophila melanogaster. Molecular and General Genetics. 237:145-151.
    
  • A functional analysis of the P-element gene-transfer vector in insects-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Gomez, S.P., O'Brochta, D.A. 1991. A functional analysis of the P-element gene-transfer vector in insects. Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology. 22:373-384.
    
  • P element excision in drosophila melanogaster and related drosophilids-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    O'Brochta, D.A., Gomez, S.P., Handler, A.M. 1991. P element excision in drosophila melanogaster and related drosophilids. Molecular and General Genetics. 225:387-394.
    
  • Prospects for gene transmformation in insects-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., O'Brochta, D.A. 1991. Prospects for gene transmformation in insects. Annual Review Of Entomology. 36:159-183.
    
  • Ecdysteroid receptors in Drosophila melanogaster adult females-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Maroy, P. 1989. Ecdysteroid receptors in Drosophila melanogaster adult females. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. 63:103-109.
    
  • Identification and analysis of the major yolk polypeptide from the caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Loew)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., Galette, A.S. 1988. Identification and analysis of the major yolk polypeptide from the caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Loew). Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology. 9:91-106.
    
  • Mobility of P elements in drosophilids and nondrosophilids-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Handler, A.M., O'Brochta, D. . 1988. Mobility of P elements in drosophilids and nondrosophilids. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 85:6052-6056.
    

Patents

Handler, A.M. U.S. Patent Number 7,129,083. piggyBac Transformation System. October, 2006.

Horn, C. and Handler, A.M. U.S. Patent Number 7,700,356. System for gene targeting and producing stable genomic transgene insertions. April, 2010.