A simple protocol for transfecting human mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are potential targets for cell and gene therapy-based approaches against a variety of different diseases. The MSCs from bone marrow are a promising target population as they are capable of differentiating along multiple lineages and have significant expansion capability. These characteristics make them strong candidates for delivering genes and restoring organ systems function. However, as other primary cells, MSCs are difficult to transfect. In order to standardize a simple protocol for transfection of MSCs, we conducted a series of experiments and achieved a protocol that does not require the use of viral particles or specific expensive equipment.

MSCs transfection at early passages using a ratio lipid/DNA of 3.0 µL/µg with Lipofectamine 3000^® yields good transfection efficiencies for human MSCs (up to 26%) and is rapid, simple, and safe.