Genetic transformation of nematodes using arrays of micromechanical piercing structures.
Foreign genes were expressed in the nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora using a new micro-mechanical device to inject DNA-coated microprobe through the nematode cuticle. After introduction of a plasmid in which a Caenorhabditis elegans 16-kDa heat shock promoter was fused to Escherichia coli, a beta-galactosidase gene was expressed in the progeny of the injected worms. The tip of the microprobe penetrated through the nematode cuticle without causing injury to the nematode, and about 8% of the total progeny tested expressed the foreign gene. We describe and validate a new and efficient genetic transformation system for nematodes. The method is quick and easy to use.
Hashmi
S
S
Entomology Department, Cook College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.
Ling
P
P
Hashmi
G
G
Reed
M
M
Gaugler
R
R
Trimmer
W
W
D000818:Animals; D005821:Genetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D010957:Plasmids; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D017172:Rhabditoidea / Q000235:genetics*; D014170:Transformation, Genetic; D001616:beta-Galactosidase / Q000235:genetics
D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D001616:beta-Galactosidase