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Show posters on the hill Ballistic introduction of DNA into the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans', gene integration and germ line expression Blake Newman*, M. Wayne Davis**, Erik Jorgensen** Departments of Bioengineering* and Biology** Ballistic Introduction of DNA into the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans: Gene Integration and Germ Line Expression Blake Newman, M. Wayne Davis, Erik Jorgensen Departments of Bioengineering and Biology c 'aenorhabditis elegans is a microscopic, anatomically simple nematode (worm) roughly 1 mm in length that plays a large role in the understanding of the genetics of neurobiology as well as cellular development. C. elegans contain many genes that are similar to other organisms, including humans. Manipulating and mutating the worm genome allows for will shut off pieces of DNA that appear foreign. True transgenic integration and gernl line expression requires introduction of low copy vectors and recombination or ligation with the worm genome, something that is not achieved with traditional methodology. Ballistic introduction of DNA vectors attached to particles of gold allows for possible integration and expression of specific genes to occur. A plasmid that contains a gene necessary for neuronal development serves as a screen to determine DNA introduction into the worm by rescuing the worm from its mutant phenotype of being paralyzed. A second marker that auto-fluoresces with a specific promoter from the germ line allows for determination of actual gene integration and germ line expression. Analysis with a mutant screen and germ line specific marker allows for true determination of gene integration. Gene integration through low copy ballistic methods allows for true DNA integration and germ line expression in c. elegans. Transgenic lines may then allow for further study of development and genetic analysis in the nematode. greater knowledge of how genes interact. Scientists and researchers alike introduce DNA vectors into C. elegans to study how they may effect development. However, most lines introduced into the worm do not integrate into the nematode's chromosome. Rather, they reside in the nucleus as stable arrays, remaining apart from the rest of the DNA. Furthermore, the germ line contains sensory mechanisms that |
