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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

novel nanoinjection, yeast artificial chromosomes, mouse zygotes

College

Life Sciences

Department

Microbiology and Molecular Biology

Abstract

Transgenic mice are used to create animal models and are typically generated by the addition of transgenes (4-14 Kb pairs) or artificial chromosomes (150-300 Kb) to the pronucleus of a fertilized mouse egg [1][2]. Because of the size of chromosomes, using them to produce transgenic mice can be very problematic. Current methods for inserting transgenes include delivery through a microinjection device into the pronucleus. Transgenic mice are then created by transplantation of injected eggs into a surrogate female [3]. Larger DNA or yeast artificial chromosomes (YAC) due to the increased amount of genetic material could be used to express an overall greater change in the cell. However, current methods of injection are problematic because the YAC DNA is too large to fit through the microinjection needle without suffering substantial damage – damage is caused by brute forces and a narrow needle that result in shearing of the DNA [3]. For the past year I have been working with a research team developing a new injection device: the nanoinjector. Part of this research was focused on different methodologies and concentrations required to successfully inject the YAC YRT2 and YRT3 (tyrosinase genes) into a transgenic animal.

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Microbiology Commons

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