Plasmid DNA electrotransfer for intracellular and secreted proteins expression: new methodological developments and...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Gene Therapy
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• In vivo electrotransfer is a highly efficient non-viral gene delivery method.
• It involves plasmid DNA injection followed by electric pulses, enhancing cell permeability and DNA migration.
• This technique is cost-effective, safe, and easily applicable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the efficiency of in vivo electrotransfer for gene delivery.
• To identify factors influencing electrotransfer efficiency, such as plasmid size and transgene expression kinetics.
• To explore the expanding applications of electrotransfer in various tissues and pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing in vivo electrotransfer with plasmid DNA in target tissues.
• Investigating the impact of plasmid size on gene delivery efficiency.
• Analyzing transgene expression kinetics and biodistribution.

Main Results:

• Smaller plasmid DNA sizes demonstrated more efficient electrotransfer compared to larger ones.
• Transgene expression kinetics were found to be highly variable, influenced by factors like protein localization and physiological activity.
• Successful long-lasting therapeutic effects were observed in pathologies including cancer, blood disorders, and muscle ischemia.

Conclusions:

• In vivo electrotransfer is a powerful and versatile tool for gene therapy and research.
• Optimizing plasmid characteristics, such as size, can significantly improve delivery efficiency.
• The technique holds great promise for treating various diseases and advancing gene function studies.