Transfection of hippocampal neurons with plasmid DNA using calcium phosphate coprecipitation

INTRODUCTION This protocol describes transfection of plasmid DNA into primary hippocampal neurons using DNA/calcium-phosphate (CaPO(4)) coprecipitation. The precise pH of the transfection medium and the incubation time of cells with the coprecipitate are critical for reproducible and efficient transfection. Once these parameters are optimized for a given plasmid, the method is easily adapted for transfection of other established cell lines and primary cell cultures.