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Updated: Mar 20, 2026
DNA Transfection of Mammalian Skeletal Muscles using In Vivo Electroporation
Published on: October 19, 2009
Data on macrophage mediated muscle transfection upon delivery of naked plasmid DNA with block copolymers
Vivek Mahajan1, Zagit Gaymalov2, Daria Alakhova3
1Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5850, USA.
Abstract:
The data contains 14 figures supporting the research article "Horizontal gene transfer from macrophages to ischemic muscles upon delivery of naked DNA with Pluronic block copolymers" [1]. The data explains the surgical procedure and histological characterization of Murine Hind Limb Ischemia. The data also shows the kinetics of luciferase gene expression, spread of GFP expression through muscle and the colocalization of GFP with cellular markers in ischemic muscles injected with pDNA alone or pDNA/Pluronic. Finally the data shows the effect of Pluronic Block Copolymer to enhance total gene expression (cmv-promoter driven luciferase gene) in coculture of DNA transfected MØs with muscle cells.
Insights
Pluronic block copolymers enhance gene expression in ischemic muscles by facilitating horizontal gene transfer from macrophages. This study details the process in murine models, showing improved luciferase and GFP expression.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Gene Therapy
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Ischemic muscle disease lacks effective gene therapy delivery methods.
- Macrophages are key immune cells that can be engineered for therapeutic delivery.
- Pluronic block copolymers are known for their potential in drug and gene delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Pluronic block copolymers in enhancing horizontal gene transfer to ischemic muscles.
- To characterize gene expression kinetics and spread in vivo.
- To evaluate the role of macrophages in this gene transfer process.
Main Methods:
- Surgical induction of Murine Hind Limb Ischemia.
- Intramuscular injection of naked DNA (pDNA) with and without Pluronic block copolymers.
- Histological analysis and imaging for gene expression (luciferase, GFP).
- Co-culture experiments with DNA-transfected macrophages and muscle cells.
Main Results:
- Pluronic block copolymers significantly enhanced luciferase gene expression in ischemic muscles.
- GFP expression spread was observed in muscles injected with pDNA/Pluronic.
- Colocalization studies confirmed GFP in muscle cells and identified cellular markers.
- Enhanced gene expression was observed in co-cultures of DNA-transfected macrophages with muscle cells.
Conclusions:
- Pluronic block copolymers facilitate efficient horizontal gene transfer from macrophages to ischemic muscles.
- This approach shows promise for improving gene therapy outcomes in ischemic conditions.
- Macrophages play a crucial role in mediating Pluronic-enhanced gene delivery to muscle tissue.
