Design and Synthesis of Lipids Bearing Nucleosides as Gene Vectors

Some novel lipids bearing nucleosides were designed and synthesized as gene vectors, and the structures of these compounds were characterized by UV, IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR and elemental analysis.

Synthesis of Novel Lipids Bearing Cholesteryl Group as Gene Vectors

Some cationic and neutral lipids bearing cholesteryl group were synthesized as gene vectors, and the structures of the compounds were characterized by IR, (HNMR)-H-1, MS and elemental analysis.

Biotin-modified Galactosylated Chitosan-gene Carrier in Hepatoma Cells Targeting Delivery

Our previous studies have successfully grafted biotin and galactose onto chitosan(CS)and synthesized biotin modified galactosylated chitosan(Bio-GC).The optimum N/P ratio of Bio-GC and plasmid DNA was 3:1.At this N/P ratio,the transfection efficiency in the hepatoma cells was the highest with a slow release effect.Bio-GC nanomaterials exhibit the protective effect of preventing the gene from nuclease degradation,and can target the transfection into hepatoma cells by combination with galactose and biotin receptors.The transfection rate was inhibited by the competition of galactose and biotin.Bio-GC nanomaterials were imported into cells’cytoplasm by their receptors,followed by the imported exogenous gene transfected into the cells.Bio-GC nanomaterials can also cause inhibitory activity in the hepatoma cells in the model of orthotopic liver transplantation in mice,by carrying the gene through the blood to the hepatoma tissue.Taken together,bio-GC nanomaterials act as gene vectors with the activity of protecting the gene from DNase degradation,improving the rate of transfection in hepatoma cells,and transporting the gene into the cytoplasm in vitro and in vivo.Therefore,they are efficient hepatoma-targeting gene carriers.

Effect of Tb/Mg doping on composition and physical properties of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for gene vector application

Transfection efficiency of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles(HAnps)is relative to the particle size,morphology,surface charge,surface modifier and so on.This study prepared HAnps with doped Tb/Mg by hydrothermal synthesis method(HTSM)and investigated the effects of different Tb/Mg contents on the morphology,particle size,surface charge,composition and cellular endocytosis of HAnps.The results showed that Mg-HAnps possessed better dispersion ability than Tb-HAnps.With increasing doping content of Tb/Mg-HAnps,the granularity of Tb-HAnps increased,while that of Mg-HAnps declined.Both particle size and zeta potential of Mg-HAnps were lower than those of Tb-HAnps.7.5%Mg-doping HAnps presented relatively uniform slender rod morphology with average size of30nm,while10%Mg-doping HAnps were prone to agglomeration.Moreover,Mg-HAnps-GFP(green fluorescent protein)endocytosed by MG63cells was dotted in the perinuclear region,while Tb-HAnps were more likely to aggregate.In conclusion,as gene vectors,Mg-HAnps showed enhanced properties compared to Tb-HAnps.

Influence of heme oxygenase-1 gene transfer on the viability and function of rat islets in in vitro culture

AIM. To investigate the influence of heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） gene transfer on the viability and function of cultured rat islets in vitro. METHODS： Islets were isolated from the pancreata of Sprague-Dawley rats by intraductal collagenase digestion, and purified by discontinuous Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. Purified rat islets were transfected with adenoviral vectors containing human HO-1 gene （Ad- HO-1） or enhanced green fluorescent protein gene （Ad- EGFP）, and then cultured for seven days. Transfection was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and Western blot. Islet viability was evaluated by acridine orange/ propidium iodide fluorescent staining. Glucose-stimulated insulin release was detected using insulin radioimmunoassay kits and was used to assess the function of islets. Stimulation index （SI） was calculated by dividing the insulin release upon high glucose stimulation by the insulin release upon low glucose stimulation. RESULTS： After seven days culture, the viability of cultured rat islets decreased significantly （92% ± 6% vs 52% ± 13%, P 〈 0.05）, and glucose-stimulated insulin release also decreased significantly （6.47 ± 0.55 mIU/ L/30IEO vs 4.57 ± 0.40 mIU/L/3OIEO., 14.93 ± 1.17 mIU/L/30IEQ vs 9.63 ± 0.71 mIU/L/30IEQ, P 〈 0.05）. Transfection of rat islets with adenoviral vectors at an 1±10 of 20 was efficient, and did not impair islet function. At 7 d post-transfection, the viability of Ad-HO-1 transfected islets was higher than that of control islets（71% ± 15% vs 52% ± 13%, P 〈 0.05）. There was no significant difference in insulin release upon low glucose stimulation （2.8 mmol/L） among Ad-HO-1 transfected group, Ad-EGFP transfected group, and control group （P 〉 0.05）, while when stimulated by high glucose （16.7 mmol/L） solution, insulin release in Ad-HO-1 transfected group was significantly higher than that in Ad-EGFP transfected group and control group, respectively （12.50 ±2.17 mIU/L/30IEQ vs 8.87 ± 0.65 mIU/L/30IEQ, 12.50 ± 2.17 mIU/L/30IEQ vs 9.63 ± 0.71 mIU/L/30IEQ, P 〈 0.05）. The SI of Ad-HO-1 transfected group was also significantly higher than that of Ad-EGFP transfected group and control group, respectively （2.21 ± 0.02 vs 2.08 ± 0.05; 2.21 ± 0.02 vs 2.11 ± 0.03, P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： The viability and function of rat islets decrease over time in in vitro culture, and heine oxygenase-1 gene transfer could improve the viability and function of cultured rat islets.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Chitosan Derivatives for Gene Delivery

A series of novel water soluble chitosan derivatives as gene vectors was synthesized. The delivery systems were tested for their ability to form complexes with plasmid DNA by utilizing agarose gel electrophoresis, particle size analysis, zeta potential measurement and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, cytotoxicity of chitosan derivatives and transfection efficiency of polyplexes were evaluated in vitro. The experimental results showed that the novel chitosan derivatives had lower cytotoxicity, good DNA condensation, and higher transfection efficiencies compared to chitosan in both 293T and HeLa cell lines. It was indicated that these chitosan derivatives were promising candidates for non-viral gene vectors.

Hepatitis B virus envelope as a targeting gene transfer vector for hepatic cancer cells

Objective： The aim of the study was to observe the transfection efficacy of hepatitis B virus envelope （HBVE） and evaluate its ability as a gene transfer vector for liver cancer cells. Methods： To obtain HBVE, the supematant fluid of HepG 2.2.15 cells was mixed with a PEG8000 solution for concentration and was inactivated by β-propiolactone. The acquired HBVE was used to pack plRES2-EGFP to test its package ability. Then, we examined its quantity and quality with ELISA, PCR, SDS-PAGE and electron microscopy. The plRES2-EGFP was packed with HBVE and obtained the product HBVE-GFP. The plRES2-EGFP was packed with liposome and obtained the product liposome-GFP. HBVE-GFP and liposome-GFP were used to transfer HepG 2 cells to study the transfection efficiency. HBVE-GFP was used to transfer HepG 2, A549, HeLa and FB cells to study the targeting ability. The green fluorescent protein （GFP） expression was observed under a fluorescent microscope. The rate of GFP positive cells was determined by flow cytometry. Results： 1. The acquired HBVE could retain the surface protein HBsAg ＋ pre S1 ＋ pre S2 and had no virus DNA. It had good package ability for plRES2-EGFP. 2. Transfection efficiency： The GFP could be observed in both the liposome group and HBVE group under the fluorescent microscope. But the HBVE group had a higher fluorescent intensity than liposome group. The transfection rate of liposome group was 49.97% ＋ 2.37% while the HBVE group was 70.65% ＋ 3.15% and the fluorescent intensity of the HBVE group was 3-4 times （P = 0.000） for liposome group with the determination of flow cytometry. 3. Targeting ability： The GFP could be observed in the four groups under the fluorescent microscope. The HepG 2 group had the highest fluorescent intensity among the four groups. The transfection rate of HepG 2 group was 71.35% ＋ 0.03% which was highly expressed than other groups （P = 0.000） and the fluorescent intensity of the HepG 2 group was 2-3 times （P = 0.000） for the other 3 groups with the determination of flow cytometry. Conclusion： HBVE can be constructed successfully with the methods of PEG8000 and β-propiolactone from the supernatant fluid of HepG 22.15 cells. The HBVE can be a candidate gene transfer vector for liver cancer cells.

Restoring axonal localization and transport of transmembrane receptors to promote repair within the injured CNS: a critical step in CNS regeneration

Each neuronal subtype is distinct in how it develops,responds to environmental cues,and whether it is capable of mounting a regenerative response following injury.Although the adult central nervous system（CNS） does not regenerate,several experimental interventions have been trialled with successful albeit limited instances of axonal repair.We highlight here some of these approaches including extracellular matrix（ECM） modification,cellular grafting,gene therapy-induced replacement of proteins,as well as application of biomaterials.We also review the recent report demonstrating the failure of axonal localization and transport of growth-promoting receptors within certain classes of mature neurons.More specifically,we discuss an inability of integrin receptors to localize within the axonal compartment of mature motor neurons such as in the corticospinal and rubrospinal tracts,whereas in immature neurons of those pathways and in mature sensory tracts such as in the optic nerve and dorsal column pathways these receptors readily localize within axons.Furthermore we assert that this failure of axonal localization contributes to the intrinsic inability of axonal regeneration.We conclude by highlighting the necessity for both combined therapies as well as a targeted approach specific to both age and neuronal subtype will be required to induce substantial CNS repair.

A versatile cloning vector facilitates target geneexpression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Objective： To facilitate manipulation of gene expression in different host cells, we used pEGFP-N1 as backbone to construct a versatile vector that can drive foreign gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Methods： A cloning and expression vector, pEGFP-NI-lac, was constructed by inserting the prokaryotic lac promoter of pUC 19 into the eukaryotic expression vector, pEGFP-N1, between the eukaryotic PCMV promoter and enhanced green fluorescent protein （EGFP） open reading frames. To assess the function of pEGFP-NI-lac, the nucleotide sequence encoding the hepatitis C virus （HCV） core protein was cloned into the multiple cloning sites. Western blotting analysis was used to detect the expression of the HCV core protein in Escherichia coli DH5a and HepG2 cells. Results： Restriction enzyme digestion and sequence analysis indicated that pEGFP-NI-lac was successfully constructed and the HCV core gene was cloned into this vector. The Western blotting results showed that pEGFP-NI-lac promoted expression of HCV core gene in prokaryotic E. coli DH5a and eukaryotic HepG2 cells. Conclusion： The pEGFP-NI-lac vector has been successfully constructed and functions in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The EGFP reporter can be used as an insert-inactivation marker for clone selection or as an expression tag. This vector can be used for cloning and expression of genes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, making gene cloning, expression and functional studies convenient as well as time- and labor-efficient

SEQUENCE STUDY AND RETROVIRUS MEDIATED GENE TRANSFER IN MAMMALIAN CELL SYSTEMS OF HUMAN INTERLEUKIN 2 cDNA

Interleukin 2 (IL- 2) is a T cell growth factor. In the present study, human IL- 2 cDNA was cloned from total RNA of activated tonsillar mononuclear cells (TMNC) following reverse transcription and PCR amplification using a pair of synthesized primers. DNA sequence analysis demonstrated that the IL- 2 cDNA cloned from the Chinese tonsil donor is identical with the data reported so far, reflecting the high structural conservation of this gene. The human IL- 2 cDNA was inserted into XM6 to construct a recombinant retroviral expression vector XM6-IL2, having human IL-2 cDNA driven by the 5' LTR of MMLV. This vector was successfully passaged through ψ 2 and PA317 cells to yield high producer lines of ecotropic and amphotroplc infectious viruses. The murine myeloma cell line SP2/0 after being infected by retrovirus released from high titer PA317 constitutlvely secreted IL- 2 activity into the culture medium when assayed for T cell proliferative capacity. Activated human T cells are also exposed to the infectious retrovirus XM6- IL2. In sharp contrast to the parallel controls, the infected T cells with or without the furtheraddition of 500 units/ ml of exogenous IL- 2 proliferated and formed colonies of significant size under the selection pressure of G418. However, their growth in vitro could only be maintained for about 3 weeks. These facts demonstrated that gene transfer of human IL- 2 cDNA viaretrovirus is far from being sufficient to maintain the relatively long-termgrowth and clonal expansion of human T cell subpopulations in vitro.

CO-TRANSFECTION OF RAT BONE MARROW MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS WITH HUMAN BMP2 AND VEGF165 GENES

Objective To explore the feasibility and efficacy of lentivirus-mediated co-transfection of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） with human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 （hVEGFI65） gene and human bone morphogenetic protein 2 （hBMP2） gene. Methods The hVEGF165 and hBMP2 cDNAs were obtained from human osteosarcoma cell line MG63 and cloned into lentiviral expression vectors designed to co-express the copepod green fluorescent protein （copGFP）. The expression lentivector and packaging Plasmid Mix were co-transferred to 293TN cells, which produced the lentivirus carrying hVEGF165 （Lv-VEGF） or hBMP2 （ Lv-BMP） , respectively. MSCs of Wistar rats were co-transfected with Lv-BMP and Lv-VEGF （BMP ＋ VEGF group）, or each alone （BMP group and VEGF group）, or with no virus （ Control group）. The mRNA and protein expressions of hVEGF165 and hBMP2 genes in each group were detected by real-time PCR and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Results Lentiviral expression vectors carrying hVEGF165 or hBMP2 were correctly constructed and confirmed by restriction endonucleses analysis and DNA sequencing analysis. A transfer efficiency up to 90% was archieved in all the transfected groups detected by the fraction of fluorescent cells using fluorescent microscopy. From the results generated by real-time PCR and ELISA, VEGF165 and BMP2 genes were co-expressed in BMP ＋ VEGF group. No significant difference of BMP2 expression was detected between BMP ＋ VEGF and BMP groups （ P 〉 0. 05）. Similarly, there was no significant difference of VEGF165 expression between BMP ＋ VEGF and VEGF groups （ P 〉 0. 05）. Conclusion VEGF165 and BMP2 genes were successfully co-expressed in MSCs by lentivirus-mediated co-transfection, which provided a further foundation for the combined gene therapy of bone regeneration.

RETROVIRUS-MEDIATED TNF-α GENE TRANSFER INTO TCA8113 CELLS

Objective To investigate whether TNF-α gene-modified Tca8113 cells (Tca8113/TNF-α) canbe used as vaccine for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Methods TNF-α gene was transduced into Tca8113 cellsin vitro with retroviral vector carring genes for both TNF-α and NeoR. After that, presence and expression of exoge-nous gene in the transgenic cells, expression of HLA antigen on the cells, expression of TNF-α and survival rate ofthe cells after irradiation and cryopreservation, and mutagenic activity of the cells were analyzed by PCR technique,EL1SA technique, FACS technique, 60Co irradiation inactivation test, cryopreservation test, and Ames test, respec-tively. Results The presence of both TNF-a and NeoR gene and expression of TNF-α gene were demonstrated intransgenic cells. The levels of the HLA-A, B, C, DR expressed by Tca8113/TNF-α were higher than by the parentalcells. Tca8113/TNF-α continued to secrete TNF-α for 14 d, there was a secretion peak time from d4 to d6;and, allthe cells died by dl4 after irradiation. The Level of TNF-α secreted by Tca8113/TNF-α cryopreserved for 48 h wasno different from that cryopreserved for 1 week after irradiation, the level of TNF-α secreted by the cryopreservedcells was just a little lower than that secreted by the noncryopreserved cells. Both DNA and supernatant of the cellshave no mutagenic activity. Conclusion TNF-α gene can be transduced into Tca8113 cells with retroviral vec-tor, and the cells can express TNF-α. Expression of HLA 1,11 antigens on Tca8113 cells can be increased by TNF-αgene transduction. Irradiation is a reliable inactivation method, and cryopreservation is a feasible conservationmethod for Tca8113/TNF-α. Ames test result indicate that Tca8113/TNF-α has no mutagenic activity.

Inhibition of HBV Replication by Delivering the Dual-gene Expression Vector pHsa-miR16-siRNA in HepG2.2.15 Cells

This study aimed to construct the dual-gene expression vector p Hsa-miR16-siRNA which can express human miR-16 and HBV X siRNA, and examine its regulatory effect on HBV gene expression in the HepG2.2.15 cell line. The expression vectors siR-1583 and pHsa-miR16-siRNA were designed and constructed. Hep G2.2.15 cells were transfected with the empty vector, siR-1583, pmiR-16 and pHsa-miR16-siRNA, respectively. ELISA was performed to measure the expression of HBsAg and HBeAg in the culture supernatant 48 and72 h post transfection. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to measure the HBV mRNA degradation efficiency and HBV DNA copy number. The results showed that the expression of HBV genes was significantly inhibited in Hep G2.2.15 cells transfected with siR-1583, pmiR-16 and pHsa-miR16-siRNA, respectively, when compared with that in cells transfected with the empty vectors, with the inhibitory effect of pHsa-miR16-siRNA being the most significant. ELISA showed that the inhibitory rates of HBs Ag and HBeAg in pHsa-miR16-siRNA transfected cells were correspondingly 87.3% and 85.0% at 48 h, and 88.6% and 86.5% at 72 h post transfection（P〈0.01 vs. control group）. RT-PCR showed that the level of HBV mRNA decreased by 80.2%（t=–99.22, P〈0.01）, the genomic HBV DNA by 92.8%（t=–73.06, P〈0.01）, and the supernatant of HBV DNA copy number by 89.8%（t=–47.13, P〈0.01） in pHsa-miR16-siRNA transfected group. It was suggested that the dual-gene expression vector pHsa-miR16-siRNA can inhibit the replication of HBV more efficiently than a single-gene expression vector.

Improving gene transfection efficiency of highly branched poly(β-amino ester)s through the in-situ conversion of inactive terminal groups

Highly branched poly(β-amino ester)s(HPAEs)have emerged as a safe and efficient type of non-viral gene delivery vectors.However,the presence of inactive terminal secondary amine groups compromises their gene transfection capability.In this study,HPAEs with similar topological structures and chemical compositions but varying numbers of terminal secondary 4-amino-1-butanol(S4)and secondary/tertiary 3-morpholinopropylamine(MPA)groups were synthesized.The results demonstrate that an increased number of secondary/tertiary MPA groups in-situ significantly enhances the DNA binding capability of HPAEs,leading to the formation of smaller HPAE/DNA polyplexes with higher zeta potential,ultimately resulting in superior gene transfection efficiency in bladder epithelial cells.This study establishes a sim-ple yet effective strategy to maximize the gene transfection potency of HPAEs by converting the inactive terminal groups in-situ without the need for complex modifications to their topological structure and chemical composition.

Phosphoester modified poly(ethylenimine) as efficient and low cytotoxic genevectors

Cyclic phosphoester monomer ethyl ethylene phosphate (EEP) modified poly(ethylenimine) (PEI),denoted as PEI-EEP,was developed for gene delivery.Three PEI-EEP polymers were synthesized and their structures were characterized by 1H and 31P NMR methods.All the PEI-EEP polymers could condense DNA efficiently at N/P ratios higher than 0.5/1.The physiochemical characteristics of PEI-EEP/DNA complexes were analyzed by particle size and zeta potential measurements.The particle sizes of complexes were around 160–250 nm,and their zeta potentials were around 30–45 mV at the N/P ratios ranging from 10/1 to 50/1.In vitro cell viability and transfection ability were evaluated in HEK293 and HeLa cells using PEI as the control.The cytotoxicity of PEI-EEP and PEI-EEP/DNA complexes was lower than that of PEI and its complexes with DNA.The transfection efficiency of PEI-EEP/DNA complexes was correlated to modification degrees with phosphoester.When the modification of phosphoester to PEI was moderate,the PEI-EEP1/DNA and PEI-EEP2/DNA complexes exhibited comparable or even higher transfection ability than PEI/DNA complex at its optimal N/P ratio in the absence of serum.However,transfection efficiency of PEI-EEP3 reduced dramatically.More importantly,the PEI-EEP exhibited higher transfection efficiency in the presence of 10% serum than that without serum.Therefore,PEI-EEP polymers may be attractive vectors for non-viral gene therapy.

Development of hybrid-type modified chitosan derivative nanoparticles for the intracellular delivery of midkine-siR NA in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND： Hepatocellular carcinoma（HCC） is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Most of the patients with HCC lose the surgical opportunity at the time of diagno sis. Some novel therapeutic modalities, like gene therapy, are promising for the treatment of HCC. However, the success of gene therapy depends on two aspects： efficient gene materials and gene delivery vectors. The present study was to develop new chitosan-based nanoparticles for a midkine-si RNA（anti HCC gene drug） delivery.METHODS： The novel gene delivery vector（MixN CH） was syn thesized by hybrid-type modification of chitosan with 2-chloro ethylamine hydrochloride and N, N-dimethyl-2-chloroethylamine hydrochloride. The chemical structure of Mix NCH was char acterized by FT-IR and 1HNMR. The cytotoxicity of Mix NCH was determined by MTS assay. The gene condensation ability and size, zeta potential and morphology of Mix NCH/MK si RNA nanoparticles were measured. The in vitro transfection and gene knockdown efficiency of midkine by Mix NCH/MK si RNA nanoparticles was detected by q RT-PCR and Western blotting. Gene knockdown effect at the molecule level on the proliferation of Hep G2 in vitro was determined by MTS assay.RESULTS： Mix NCH was successfully acquired by aminoalkyl ation modification of chitosan. The Mix NCH could condense MK-siR NA well above the weight ratio of 3. The average size of Mix NCH/MK-si RNA nanoparticles was 100-200 nm, and thesurface charge was about ＋5 m V. Morphologically, Mix NCH/MK-si RNA nanoparticles were in regular spherical shape-with no aggregation. Regarding to the in vitro transfection of nanoparticles, the MixN CH/MK-siR NA nanoparticles reduced MK m RNA level to 14.03%±4.03%, which were comparable to Biotrans（8.94%±3.77%）. Mix NCH/MK-si RNA effectively inhibited the proliferation of Hep G2 in vitro.-CONCLUSION： Mix NCH/MK-si RNA nanoparticles could be effective for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Dopamine-mimetic-coated polyamidoamine-functionalized Fe_(3)O_(4) nanoparticles for safe and efficient gene delivery

Fe_(3)O_(4) nanoparticles(NPs)are widely used in the construction of drug and gene delivery vectors because of their particular physicochemical properties.Surface modification can not only reduce the cytotoxicity of Fe_(3)O_(4),but also further improve the biocompatibility and delivery efficiency.In this work,firstly,polydopamine(PDA)-coated Fe_(3)O_(4) NPs(named Fe_(3)O_(4)@PDA)were prepared by using the self-polymerization characteristics of dopamine in alkaline environment.Then,polyamidoamine(PAMAM)was modified by the Michael addition reaction to prepare water-soluble core shell magnetic NPs of Fe_(3)O_(4)@PDA@PAMAM,and its potential as gene vector was further evaluated.The results revealed that Fe_(3)O_(4)@PDA@PAMAM had the ability to condense and protect DNA,and showed lower cytotoxicity,higher cell uptake and transfection efficiency than those of PAMAM.It has the potential to become a magnetic targeted gene vector for further study.

Retroviral vector containing human p16 gene and its inhibitory effect on Bcap-37 breast cancer cells

Objective To study the effects of the p16 gene on tumor cell growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest. Methods The recombinant retroviral vector pLp16SN was constructed by cloning the human p16 cDNA into the retroviral vector pLXSN. Retroviruses with or without the p16 gene were obtained by transfecting pLp16SN and pLXSN vectors into PA317 cells. Bcap-37 human breast cancer cells were infected with these retroviruses followed by selection with G418. The expression of p16 was detected by Northern and Westem blots. Cell biological characteristics, including cell growth rate, cell cycle and tumorigenesis in nude mice were assessed.Results Both mRNA and protein expression of p16 in Bcap-37 cells transfected with retroviral vector containing the p16 gene were much higher than that in Bcap-37 cells transfected with empty vector or parental Bcap-37 cells. Cell overexpressing the p16 gene exhibited a slower rate of growth, a higher percentage of cells in the G1 phase, and smaller tumors in nude mice, compared with parental Bcap-37 cells and cells transfected with empty vector.Conclusion Overexpression of the p16 gene could suppress the growth of Bcap-37 breast cancer cells by arresting the cell cvcle at the G1 to S-phase.

Gene transfer and expression in rat anastomotic artery in vivo using adenoviral vector

Objective To observe the efficiency and time course of gene expression and the safety of adenoviral vector mediated gene transfer in vivo.Methods After soaking soluble stents in a high concentration of glucose solution containing Adv5-CMV (cytomegalovirus) (control group) or Adv5-CMV/LacZ (treatment group) for 30 minutes, the stents were inserted into the lumina of cut rat carotid arteries and end-to-end anastomoses of the cut carotid were performed with standard microvascular surgical techniques. On days 2, 7, 14, 28, 60 and 90 after gene transfer, anastomotic arteries of the two groups were observed. On days 7 and 14, the ascending aortas, hearts, brains, livers, lungs, spleens and kidneys of the treatment group were observed. All samples were analyzed for the presence of β-galactosidase activity and histochemical staining.Results β-galactosidase activity was not detected in the carotid arteries of the control group and organs not directly exposed to adenoviral vector of the treatment group. The amount of β-galactosidase activity (×10-3?U/g tissue) in the treatment group on the 2nd, 7th, 14th, 28th, 60th and 90th day after gene transfer was 3.87, 11.38, 9.8, 6.43, 3.18 and 2.43, respectively. Microscopic examination of sections from vessels of the control group and from the aortas, hearts, brains, livers, lungs, spleens or kidneys of the treatment group revealed no X-gal staining. Microscopic examination of carotid arteries of the treatment group revealed blue-staining in all anastomotic arteries and in all layers of the arterial wall observed on days 7 and 14 after gene transfer.Conclusion Adenoviral vector can effectively infect blood vessels in vivo. After adenoviral vector mediated direct gene transfer into anastomotic rat carotid arteries, recombinant gene expression began on day 2, peaked between days 7 and 14, prominently declined after day 28, and persisted at low levels more than three months. A recombinant gene could be delivered to a specific site by direct gene transfer in vivo by adenoviral vector infection.