Alternative Methods To Pronuclear Microinjections For Random Transgene Integration In Mouse
Anna B. Auerbach
Pronuclear microinjection has been the prevailing gene transfer technique in the mouse for almost a quarter of a century. This is most probably because this procedure is conceptually straightforward, although it demands specialized equipment and a high level of technical expertise. Increasing numbers of transgenic mouse lines are being created each year with the goal of assigning functions to the growing number of identified gene sequences but there are significant drawbacks to the zygote microinjection method of transgenic production. These limitations are the basis for ongoing searches for new methods of transgene introduction into the mouse germ line. There are now many alternative techniques for gene transfer, each with a different set of advantages and limitations. Each of them is worthy of consideration prior to undertaking a gene transfer project, depending on the desired outcomes.