Gene gun

Definition

A device that accelerates DNA-coated microparticles (typically gold or tungsten) into cells or tissues using high-pressure gas or mechanical force, enabling direct delivery of genetic material without viral vectors or microinjection. The technique, called biolistics, physically propels exogenous DNA, RNA, or protein through cell walls and membranes to achieve transient or stable transformation.

Etymology

From 'gene' (hereditary unit) + 'gun' (device propelling projectiles), coined to describe the ballistic delivery mechanism; 'biolistics' blends 'biological' and 'ballistics'.

Example

Gene guns have been used to transform embryos of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti with transposon-based constructs, enabling germline integration and establishment of stable transgenic lines for studying vector competence and testing gene-drive systems.

Synonyms

• biolistic particle delivery system
• particle bombardment device

Related Terms

• Transformation
• transfection
• microinjection
• CRISPR
• gene drive
• transgenic
• germline transformation
• vector competence

Usage Notes

Distinguished from microinjection by its physical propulsion mechanism and ability to target multiple cells simultaneously; less precise than microinjection but useful for tissues resistant to needle penetration. In insects, success rates vary widely by species and tissue type, with bombardment of preblastoderm embryos most common for germline transformation. The term 'biolistics' properly refers to the method, while 'gene gun' refers to the instrument.