Biolistic transformation of Caenorhabditis elegans

The ability to generate transgenic animals to study gene expression and function is a powerful and important part of the Caenorhabditis elegans genetic toolbox. Transgenic animals can be created by introducing exogenous DNA into the worm germline either by microinjection or by microparticle bombardment (biolistic transformation). In this chapter we describe a simple and robust protocol to generate transgenic C. elegans animals by biolistic transformation with gold particles using the Bio-Rad PDS-1000/He system with Hepta adapter and unc-119 selection marker. We also point out the steps that need special attention to achieve successful transformations.