Transgenic silkworms comprising GFP whose expression is regulated by the
sericin gene promoter were produced. Observation of the silk glands of
the last instar larvae of the silkworms showed fluorescence only in the
middle silk glands. GFP was secreted from middle silkgland cells from
around the spinning stage, indicating that GFP moved into the gland
lumen. Finally, GFP was spun into cocoon filaments, and cocoons
containing large amounts of GFP were produced. Thus, by using the
promoter region of the sericin gene, recombinant proteins can be produced
in the middle silk glands. Furthermore, the recombinant proteins produced
in the middle silk glands were readily secreted into the lumen of the
middle silk glands.