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Topical gene transfer into rat skin using electroporation
N Dujardin1, P Van Deŕ Smissen, V Préat
1Unité de Pharmacie Galénique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
Pharmaceutical Research
|May 5, 2001
Summary
Electroporation effectively delivers plasmid DNA to rat skin keratinocytes, enabling reporter gene expression. This method shows promise for topical DNA delivery and potential in vivo DNA vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Topical gene delivery to skin keratinocytes is challenging.
- Efficient DNA delivery is crucial for applications like DNA vaccines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate electroporation for topical gene delivery to rat skin.
- To assess DNA expression in keratinocytes following electroporation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM).
- Assessed localization of fluorescent-labeled plasmid DNA.
- Measured reporter gene (Green Fluorescent Protein - GFP) expression in stripped rat skin.
Main Results:
- Plasmid DNA rapidly penetrated the epidermis within minutes.
- GFP expression was observed in keratinocytes within hours and persisted for at least 7 days.
- Electroporation did not compromise skin viability.
Conclusions:
- Electroporation significantly enhances topical plasmid DNA delivery and expression in skin.
- This technique offers a promising alternative for in vivo DNA administration, particularly for DNA vaccines.