Electrotransfer into skeletal muscle for protein expression

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Molecular Biology
• Gene Therapy

Background:

• Efficient and safe in vivo DNA delivery is crucial for gene function studies and therapeutic applications.
• Non-viral DNA delivery methods are actively researched, with in vivo DNA electrotransfer emerging as a highly effective and straightforward technique.
• Electrotransfer involves applying electric pulses locally after DNA injection, enabling gene delivery to various tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanism, safety, and therapeutic applications of in vivo DNA electrotransfer.
• To focus on electrotransfer of plasmid DNA into skeletal muscle for gene therapy, vaccination, and functional studies.
• To highlight recent advancements in animal models demonstrating therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on in vivo DNA electrotransfer.
• Description of the mechanism underlying DNA electrotransfer.
• Assessment of toxicity and safety considerations.
• Focus on skeletal muscle as a target tissue due to its accessibility, endocrine function, and long-term gene expression potential.

Main Results:

• In vivo DNA electrotransfer is an efficient and simple physical method for gene delivery.
• Skeletal muscle is an advantageous target for electrotransfer due to its characteristics.
• The technique has demonstrated significant therapeutic applications in various animal models.

Conclusions:

• In vivo DNA electrotransfer is a promising technology for gene therapy and research.
• Skeletal muscle electrotransfer offers a viable platform for developing new therapeutic strategies.
• Further research and application in animal models support its potential clinical translation.