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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Changing the Direction and Orientation of Electric Field During Electric Pulses Application Improves Plasmid Gene Transfer in vitro
Published on: September 12, 2011
Field distribution and DNA transport in solid tumors during electric field-mediated gene delivery
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, 136 Hudson Hall, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA.
Abstract:
Gene therapy has a great potential in cancer treatment. However, the efficacy of cancer gene therapy is currently limited by the lack of a safe and efficient means to deliver therapeutic genes into the nucleus of tumor cells. One method under investigation for improving local gene delivery is based on the use of pulsed electric field. Despite repeated demonstration of its effectiveness in vivo, the underlying mechanisms behind electric field-mediated gene delivery remain largely unknown. Without a thorough understanding of these mechanisms, it will be difficult to further advance the gene delivery. In this review, the electric field-mediated gene delivery in solid tumors will be examined by following individual transport processes that must occur in vivo for a successful gene transfer. The topics of examination include: (i) major barriers for gene delivery in the body, (ii) distribution of electric fields at both cell and tissue levels during the application of external fields, and (iii) electric field-induced transport of genes across each of the barriers. Through this approach, the review summarizes what is known about the mechanisms behind electric field-mediated gene delivery and what require further investigations in future studies.
Insights
Pulsed electric fields show promise for cancer gene therapy by improving gene delivery to tumor cells. Understanding the mechanisms of electric field-mediated gene delivery is crucial for advancing this treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Gene therapy offers significant potential for cancer treatment.
- Current limitations in cancer gene therapy efficacy stem from inefficient and unsafe delivery of therapeutic genes into tumor cell nuclei.
- Pulsed electric fields are being investigated as a method to enhance local gene delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of electric field-mediated gene delivery in solid tumors.
- To identify barriers to in vivo gene delivery and how electric fields influence them.
- To highlight areas requiring further investigation for optimizing electric field-mediated gene delivery.
Main Methods:
- Examination of individual transport processes involved in in vivo gene transfer.
- Analysis of major barriers to gene delivery within the body.
- Investigation of electric field distribution at cellular and tissue levels.
- Assessment of electric field-induced gene transport across biological barriers.
Main Results:
- Electric field-mediated gene delivery effectiveness in vivo has been demonstrated.
- The precise mechanisms underlying electric field-mediated gene delivery remain largely unknown.
- Understanding these mechanisms is essential for the advancement of gene delivery technologies.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of electric field-mediated gene delivery mechanisms is critical for improving cancer gene therapy.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the transport processes and barriers involved in electric field-enhanced gene transfer.
- This review consolidates current knowledge and identifies future research directions.
