Transfection by Electroporation

Electroporation--the use of high-voltage electric shocks to introduce DNA into cells--can be used with most cell types, yields a high frequency of both stable transformation and transient gene expression, and, because it requires fewer steps, can be easier than alternate techniques. This unit describes electroporation of mammalian cells, including ES cells for the preparation of knock-out, knock-in, and transgenic mice. Protocols are described for the use of electroporation in vivo to perform gene therapy for cancer therapy and DNA vaccination. Also described are modifications for preparation and transfection of plant protoplasts.