DNA transformation using electrically charged tungsten microelectrodes

Abstract

DNA mediated genetic transformation has opened the door to molecular engineering of numerous species. Unfortunately, many other species have so far resisted transformation often because DNA cannot be moved into their germ cells by current methods. An alternate approach was sought where DNA is electrophoresed onto the tip of a tungsten microelectrode and the electrode inserted into the cell nucleus to effect transformation. This paper shows that DNA can be electrophoresed onto the tips of tungsten microelectrodes and that tungsten microelectrodes can be used to transform the germ line cells of the nematode C. elegans.