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Transformation

Transformation

Microbial communities are dynamic environments where cell lysis releases free DNA into the surroundings. Other cells can take up this extracellular DNA through a process known as transformation.When a cell incorporates this foreign DNA into its genome, resulting in genetic modification, the process is known as transformation. Cells capable of this process are termed competent. Competence can be natural, as observed in certain bacteria and archaea, or artificially induced in the...

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Updated: May 28, 2026

Electroporation of Functional Bacterial Effectors into Mammalian Cells

Electroporation of Functional Bacterial Effectors into Mammalian Cells

Published on: January 19, 2015

Transfection by electroporation.

Huntington Potter¹, Richard Heller

¹Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA.

Current Protocols in Neuroscience

|October 6, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Electroporation uses electric shocks to deliver DNA into cells, offering an easier, efficient method for stable transformation and gene expression. This technique is versatile, applicable to mammalian cells, gene therapy, DNA vaccination, and plant protoplast transfection.

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Biotechnology
Cell Biology

Background:

Electroporation is a widely applicable method for introducing nucleic acids into various cell types.
It offers advantages over other transfection techniques, including simplicity and efficiency.
The method facilitates both stable transformation and transient gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe the application of electroporation for mammalian cell transfection, including embryonic stem (ES) cells.
To detail protocols for *in vivo* electroporation in gene therapy and DNA vaccination.
To present modifications for plant protoplast electroporation.

Main Methods:

High-voltage electric shocks are applied to cells to create transient pores in the cell membrane for DNA uptake.
Protocols cover electroporation of mammalian cells (including ES cells) for genetic modification (knock-out, knock-in, transgenic mice).
Methods include *in vivo* electroporation for cancer gene therapy and DNA vaccination, and plant protoplast transfection.

Main Results:

Electroporation demonstrates high efficiency for stable transformation and transient gene expression across most cell types.
Successful application in generating genetically modified mice and in *in vivo* therapeutic strategies.
Adaptability shown for plant protoplast transfection.

Conclusions:

Electroporation is a versatile and efficient technique for genetic modification in various biological systems.
Its ease of use and high yields make it a valuable tool in molecular biology and biotechnology.
The described protocols support diverse applications from basic research to clinical and agricultural biotechnology.