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Gene guns are devices used to introduce genetic material into cells through DNA-coated particles fired at high speed. They are used in labs for research, product development, and tagging samples. Gene guns were introduced in the 1980s and were originally developed for plant cells. They can introduce new DNA to force cells to make new proteins and have been used in crop genetic modification and experimental genetic vaccines. However, as of 2009, they are not safe for use in people.
A gene gun is a device used in biolistic transfection, a process used to introduce genetic material into cells through the use of tiny DNA-coated particles fired at high speed into a group of cells. Gene Guns are used in laboratory settings to conduct research, develop new products, and tag material samples. Several types of gene gun are available to researchers, sold by specialty science supply companies, and some labs have devised their own to meet specific needs to address perceived shortcomings with commercial products.
The concept of the gene gun was introduced in the 1980s when researchers were looking for new ways to introduce genetic material into the cells they were studying. Gene guns were originally developed for use with plant cells, although they can also be used in animal cells. As with other laboratory equipment, Gene Guns are constantly being modified and perfected to make them more useful.
With a gene gun, a “bullet” is made up of particles that have been coated with DNA. The bullet is fired into a petri dish with a sample of cells and the particles introduce the DNA into the cells. While some of the cells may not survive the process, the remaining cells can be used in a variety of ways. The new genetic material also includes a marker that makes it easier to identify cells that have been successfully penetrated with the material.
Using a gene gun, a researcher can introduce new DNA to force a cell to make proteins it didn’t before. Gene guns have been used extensively in crop genetic modification to introduce genes that make crops more drought tolerant, increase the nutritional value of crops, or allow for the safe use of herbicides around crops. Gene guns have also been used experimentally to deliver genetic vaccines and to introduce DNA into animal cells for the purpose of tagging them for microscopy or for genetic engineering of those cells.
While a gene gun might seem like a useful thing to have, the technology behind it is complex, delicate and, as of 2009, not safe for use in people. To use a gene gun, someone needs access to the technology to prepare the projectiles and training in how to manipulate DNA to achieve desired goals. Even working the gene gun itself can be tricky, especially since such guns are primarily designed for use on cultured cells, not living tissue.
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