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Updated: Jul 23, 2025

Generation of Stable Transgenic C. elegans Using Microinjection

Generation of Stable Transgenic C. elegans Using Microinjection

Published on: August 15, 2008

A simple method to dramatically increase C. elegans germline microinjection efficiency.

Theresa V Gibney¹, Michelle Favichia¹, Laila Latifi¹

¹Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.

Developmental Biology

|July 11, 2023

Summary

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This summary is machine-generated.

A novel paintbrush technique significantly enhances microinjection efficiency in C. elegans by nearly tripling success rates. This simple method improves speed and survival, making genome engineering more accessible for researchers.

Area of Science:

Genetics and Genomics
Developmental Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Genome manipulation in *C. elegans* relies on microinjection, a technically demanding process.
Current microinjection techniques present a bottleneck for *C. elegans* genome engineering and transgenesis.
Advances in genetic methods have not been matched by improvements in the physical microinjection process.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a simple, inexpensive, and effective method for handling *C. elegans* during microinjection.
To improve the efficiency and accessibility of microinjection-based genome engineering in *C. elegans*.

Main Methods:

A novel technique involving the use of a paintbrush for handling *C. elegans* during microinjection was developed.
Microinjection rates, injection speeds, and post-injection survival rates were compared to traditional methods.

Keywords:

C. elegans CRISPR Gene editing Genome engineering Microinjection Transgenesis

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The impact of the paintbrush method on both experienced and novice researchers was assessed.

Main Results:

The paintbrush method nearly tripled average microinjection rates compared to traditional worm handling.
Injection throughput was substantially increased due to enhanced injection speeds and improved post-injection survival.
The method significantly improved microinjection efficiency for experienced personnel and enhanced the capabilities of novice investigators.

Conclusions:

The paintbrush technique offers a universally beneficial improvement for *C. elegans* microinjection.
This method increases the speed of new strain generation and reduces the technical challenges of microinjection.
The paintbrush method makes microinjection-based genome engineering more accessible to a wider range of researchers and laboratories.