Logo image
Long-term in vivo gene expression via delivery of PEI-DNA condensates from porous polymer scaffolds
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Long-term in vivo gene expression via delivery of PEI-DNA condensates from porous polymer scaffolds

Yen-Chen HUANG, Kathryn RIDDLE, Kevin G RICE and David J MOONEY
Human gene therapy, Vol.16(5), pp.609-617
2005
DOI: 10.1089/hum.2005.16.609
PMID: 15916485
url
https://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/63281View
Open Access

Abstract

Nonviral delivery vectors are attractive for gene therapy approaches in tissue engineering, but suffer from low transfection efficiency and short-term gene expression. We hypothesized that the sustained delivery of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI)-condensed DNA from three-dimensional biodegradable scaffolds that encourage cell infiltration could greatly enhance gene expression. To test this hypothesis, a PEI-condensed plasmid encoding beta-galactosidase was incorporated into porous poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) scaffolds, using a gas foaming process. Four conditions were examined: condensed DNA and uncondensed DNA encapsulated into PLG scaffolds, blank scaffolds, and bolus delivery of condensed DNA in combination with implantation of PLG scaffolds. Implantation of scaffolds incorporating condensed beta-galactosidase plasmid into the subcutaneous tissue of rats resulted in a high level of gene expression for the entire 15-week duration of the experiment, as exemplified by extensive positive staining for beta-galactosidase gene expression observed on the exterior surface and throughout the cross-sections of the explanted scaffolds. No positive staining could be observed for the control conditions either on the exterior surface or in the cross-section at 8- and 15-week time points. In addition, a high percentage (55-60%) of cells within scaffolds incorporating condensed DNA at 15 weeks demonstrated expression of the DNA, confirming the sustained uptake and expression of the encapsulated plasmid DNA. Quantitative analysis of beta-galactosidase gene expression revealed that expression levels in scaffolds incorporating condensed DNA were one order of magnitude higher than those of other conditions at the 2- week time point and nearly two orders of magnitude higher than those of the control conditions at the 8- and 15-week time points. This study demonstrated that the sustained delivery of PEI-condensed plasmid DNA from PLG scaffolds led to an in vivo long-term and high level of gene expression, and this system may find application in areas such as bone tissue engineering.
Biotechnology Gene Therapy Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy Health. Pharmaceutical industry Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects Transfusions. Complications. Transfusion reactions. Cell and gene therapy Applied cell therapy and gene therapy Biological and medical sciences Medical sciences

Details

Logo image