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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
10:02
piggyBac Transposon System Modification of Primary Human T Cells
Published on: November 5, 2012
piggyBac transposon-mediated long-term gene expression in mice
Hideyuki Nakanishi1, Yuriko Higuchi, Shigeru Kawakami
1Department of Drug Delivery Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Yoshida Shimoadachi-cho, Kyoto, Japan.
Summary
The piggyBac (PB) transposon system enables sustained gene expression in adult mice, demonstrating its potential for organ-selective gene integration in mammals. This finding supports its use in genetic research and future gene therapies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Transposons offer efficient gene integration for somatic gene therapy.
- The piggyBac (PB) transposon shows high transposability in vitro.
- PB's in vivo transposability in mammalian somatic cells remains undemonstrated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate PB-mediated sustained gene expression in adult mice.
- To evaluate PB transposon utility for in vivo somatic gene integration.
Main Methods:
- Constructed PB-based plasmid DNA (pDNA) with reporter genes (firefly and Gaussia luciferase).
- Transfected adult mice using hydrodynamic injection of pDNA.
- Assessed gene expression levels and duration.
Main Results:
- Achieved sustained reporter gene expression for over 2 months in mice.
- Demonstrated successful PB-mediated gene expression in vivo.
- Identified conditions for high-level, sustained gene expression.
Conclusions:
- The piggyBac (PB) transposon is effective for organ-selective somatic integration in mammals.
- PB facilitates sustained gene expression in vivo.
- This system holds promise for genetic studies and gene therapies.
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