In Utero Electroporation for Cellular Transgenesis in the Developing Mammalian Forebrain

The ability to introduce gain- or loss-of-function constructs into developing organisms is responsible for the majority of advances made in the field of developmental biology. Here we provide step-by-step methods on how to achieve cellular transgenesis in the developing mammalian neocortex. In utero electroporation (IUE) is a surgical preparation that allows for rapid manipulation of gene expression and is becoming an experimental standard in the field of neocortical development. We provide detailed description of the equipment required and the procedures necessary for successful embryonic brain transfection. In addition, we will discuss several different experimental approaches that demonstrate how IUE can be adapted to spatially and temporally control gene expression.