This protocol describes a stepwise procedure to prepare nucleic acids encapsulated in a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-shielded nanolipoparticle (NLP) that contain a bioresponsive lipid and ligand. This process provides several advantages for systemic gene delivery. The in vivo circulation time is extended. Also, low pH-sensitive lipids enhance DNA unpacking and endosomal escape. Finally, ligands inserted into the NLP surface can target gene delivery to specific tissues or cells in vivo. - [Read Bioresponsive Targeted Charge Neutral Lipid Vesicles for Systemic Gene Delivery Protocol]
This protocol describes an easy method for calibrating micropipette tips that have been pulled in the laboratory. It is essential to estimate the internal diameter of the pulled micropipette tip when adjusting parameters for a new puller or new type of glass tubing. A tip diameter of ~0.3 µm is optimal for the microinjection of mammalian cells in culture (e.g., CHO, PtK1, and COS-7). A 10% increase in diameter increases the delivery rate by more than 30% and can cause cell damage. - [Read Calibration of Micropipette Tips Protocols]
Protocol describes how subcellular-sized particles are accelerated to high velocity to carry double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into Drosophila embryos. The major advantage of this procedure over microinjection (Microinjection of dsRNA into Drosophila Embryos) is that particle bombardment is easier and faster to perform. In addition, the mechanical trauma received is far less than by microinjection, allowing better survival of embryos and fewer phenotypic artifacts. - [Read Delivery of dsRNA into Drosophila Embryos by Gene Gun Protocol]
Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) uses a virus to deliver a sequence from a gene of interest into a host plant. The virus carrying the fragment of the gene of interest must be capable of replication if dsRNA is to be produced. One or two leaves are inoculated with Agrobacterium strains carrying the VIGS vector possessing the gene fragment. The virus then replicates and spreads throughout the plant, mediating silencing. - [Read Delivery of dsRNA into Plants by VIGS Methodology]
This protocol describes a method for constant-flow microinjection using the Pneumatic PicoPump (World Precision Instruments). This type of system is very simple and can be assembled on a relatively low budget. In this method, a constant flow of sample is delivered from the tip of the pipette, and the amount of sample injected into the cell is determined by how long the pipette remains in the cell. - [Read Gene Delivery by Direct Injection (Microinjection) Using a Controlled-Flow System Protocol]
This protocol describes a method for pulsed-flow microinjection using the Eppendorf FemtoJet injector and Eppendorf InjectMan; this is the most common type of pulsed-flow microinjection system currently being used. The advantage of this type of system over a controlled-flow system is that much more control is available over the injection parameters, reducing variability in injections. In addition, the system allows a diagonal insertion of the needle into the cell. - [Read Gene Delivery by Direct Injection (Microinjection) Using a Pulsed-Flow System Protocol]
The technique has many advantages—plasmids may be used for delivery, DNA theoretically can be delivered to any cell type, and genes may be delivered to cells in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo. DNA-coated gold particles are distributed evenly along the length of the tubing, which is subsequently cut into short sections of cartridges to be used in a gene gun. The Helios Gene Gun uses a pulse of helium to launch the DNA-coated particles, spreading them onto the target cells. - [Read Gene Delivery to Skin Using Biolistics Protocol]
Lipoplex (cationic liposome-DNA complex) is formed via electrostatic interaction of anionic nucleic acids with cationic liposomes. A thin film of lipids is dried on the bottom of a glass tube and rehydrated in an aqueous solution. The resulting liposome suspension is passed through polycarbonate filters of desired pore size. This protocol also describes the preparation, physical properties, and biological activity of liposome-polycation-DNA (LPD) nanoparticles. - [Read Lipoplex and LPD Nanoparticles for In Vivo Gene Delivery Protocol]
This protocol provides a description of how to introduce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into Drosophila embryos by microinjection. Several days of preparation are required before injections into Drosophila embryos begin. Flies must be in abundant supply for egg collection. Bombardment of embryos with dsRNA-coated gold particles (Delivery of dsRNA into Drosophila Embryos by a Gene Gun) can be used as an alternative. - [Read Microinjection of dsRNA into Drosophila Embryos Protocol]
Protocol describes a method for Caesarean section and fostering. Caesarean section is required if the recipient of an embryo transfer or any pregnant mouse has not given birth by the delivery time normal for the particular strain. - [Read Mouse Caesarean Section and Fostering Protocol]
This protocol describes the preparation of polyethylenimine (PEI)/DNA nanoparticles for targeted gene delivery. This delivery strategy improves the efficiency of gene transfer by enhancing the entry of gene vectors into the desired cells and reducing uptake by nontarget cells. We describe here methods for the conjugation of targeting peptides to PEIs, formation of DNA complexes using the conjugated PEIs or nonconjugated PEIs together with targeting peptides, and cell transfection. - [Read PEI Nanoparticles for Targeted Gene Delivery Protocol]
Nonviral, DNA-mediated gene transfer is an alternative to viral delivery systems for expressing new genes in cells and tissues. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system combines the advantages of viruses and naked DNA molecules for gene therapy purposes; however, efficacious delivery of DNA molecules to animal tissues can still be problematic. Here we describe the hydrodynamic delivery procedure for the SB transposon system that allows efficient delivery to the liver in the mouse. - [Read Preferential Delivery of the Sleeping Beauty transposon System to Livers of Mice by Hydrodynamic i]
This protocol contains methods for pulling microinjection needles using two different models of pipette pullers. The advantage of pulling needles in the laboratory is that a variety of different needle types can be pulled, depending on the samples and cells being injected. An added advantage is cost; once a pipette puller has been purchased, boxes of glass capillaries are inexpensive compared to premade microinjection needles. - [Read Preparation (Pulling) of Needles for Gene Delivery by Microinjection Protocol]
Protocol describes a method for the delivery of siRNAs into mammalian cells in the absence of reporter plasmids. This is best achieved with transfection reagents developed for the delivery of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides. The quantities of reagents given below are calculated for the transfection of one well of a 24-well plate. - [Read Transfection of Mammalian Cells with siRNA Duplexes Protocol]
Protocol describes a method for the delivery of siRNAs into mammalian cells in the absence of reporter plasmids. This is best achieved with transfection reagents developed for the delivery of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides. The quantities of reagents given below are calculated for the transfection of one well of a 24-well plate. - [Read Transfection of Mammalian Cells with siRNA Duplexes Protocol]