Objective To study the adenovirus-mediated human bone morphogenetic protein-2 gene （Ad-hBMP-2）transferred to the intervertebral disc cells of the New Zealand rabbit in vitro. Methods The cells of New Zealand white rabbitswere isolated from their lumbar discs. The cells were grown in the monolayer and treated with an adenovirus encoding the LacZ gene (Ad-LacZ) and Ad-hBMP-2 (50,100, 150 MOI,multiplicity of infection) in the Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium and the Ham’s F-12 Medium in vitro. Three days after the Ad-hBMP-2 treatment,the expression of hBMP-2 in the cells that had been infected by different dosesof MOI was determined by immunofluorescence and the Western blot analysis, and the expression was determined in the cells with the Ad-LacZ treatment in a dose of 150 MOI. Six days after the Ad-hBMP-2 treatment, mRNA was extracted for the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the difference was detected between the control group and the culture group that was treated withAd-hBMP-2 in doses of 50, 100 and 150 MOI so that the expressions of aggrecan and collagen ⅡmRNA could be observed. Results The expression of hBMP-2 in the cells was gradually increased after the transfection in an increasing dose, which was observed by immunofluorescence and the Western blot analysis. At 6 days the aggrecan and collagen type Ⅱ mRNA expressions were up-regulated by Ad-hBMP-2 after the transfection at an increasing viral concentration in the dosedependent manner. Conclusion The results show that Ad-hBMP-2 can transfect the rabbit intervertebral disc cells in vitro with a high efficiency rate and the expression of hBMP-2 after theinfection is dose-dependent in the manner. AdhBMP-2 after transfection can up-regulate the expression of aggrecan and collagen Ⅱ mRNA at an increasing viral concentration.
Objective To construct the recombined DNA pcDNA3.1-hBMP-2 and transfect into human marrow stromal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro, and to explore theeffects of transfection on cellular proliferation and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Methods The expression of human bone morphogenetic protein 2(hBMP-2) in these cells after transfection was determined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis and Western blot analysis. The changes of cell proliferation were observed by flow cytometry. The effects of BMP-2 gene transfection on expression of VEGF in the cells were analyzed by in situ hybridization of VEGF cDNA probe. Results Stable expressionof hBMP-2 in pcDNA3.1-hBMP-2 transfected MSCs was confirmed in the levels of mRNA and protein.Cellular proportion in S period increased, which indicated that the synthesis of cell DNA increased. The expression of VEGF in the cells increased obviously. Conclusion With the help of lipofectamine, the pcDNA3.1-hBMP-2 were transfected into human MSCs successfully. hBMP-2 plays an important role in promoting cellular proliferation and vascular generation during bone repair.
Objective To explore the feasibility of high-pressure injection to transfer human thrombomodulin (hTM) gene into arterial wall of rabbits.Methods Eighty-four healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: pcDNA3.1/hTM plasmid group (n=28), pcDNA3.1(+)/neo plasmid group (n=28) and untransfected group (n=28). After gene transfection, the model of arterial injury-blocking was established. Then, the expressions of hTM mRNA and protein in arterial wall were examined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry at 3 d, 7 d, 14 d and 28 d after operation. Results Seventeen rabbits died accidentally from the day of operation to 3 d after operation. The expressions of hTM mRNA of different time points in pcDNA3.1/hTM plasmid group were significantly higher than that in pcDNA3.1(+)/neo plasmid group and untransfected group (Plt;0.01). For the expressions of hTM mRNA at different time points in pcDNA3.1(+)/neo plasmid group and untransfected group, the difference of inter-group and intra-group was not significant (Pgt;0.05). hTM protein was expressed in every group and mainly localized in the inner lining of arterial wall. The expressions of hTM protein at different time points in pcDNA3.1/hTM plasmid group were significantly higher than that in pcDNA3.1(+)/neo plasmid group and untransfected group (Plt;0.05). The expression of hTM protein at different time points in pcDNA3.1(+)/neo plasmid group and untransfected group kept relative constancy, the difference of inter-group and intra-group was also not significant (Pgt;0.05). Conclusion High-pressure injection is feasible to transfer pcDNA3.1/hTM plasmid into arterial wall of live animals.
OBJECTIVE: To analysis the biological characteristics of human fibroblasts transfected by human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) eucaryotic expression plasmid pGRN145. METHODS: Fibroblasts from children’s foreskin were isolated and cultured in vitro, and the fibroblasts were transfected by pGRN145 with Lipofec-tAMINE PLUS Reagent. After strict screening of hygromycin B, the positive clones were subcultured. The telomerase activity was detected by RT-PCR and TRAP-PCR technique. The cell generation cycle and apoptosis rate were detected by flow cytometry to investigate the proliferative characteristics after transfection, and the chromosome karyotype of transformed cells was analyzed. The collagen secreted by transformed cells was detected by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: The morphological properties of fibroblasts did not change obviously after transfection. There were telomerase activity in transfected fibroblasts, while it could not be detected in pre-transfection fibroblasts. The cell generation cycle had no obvious changes between pre-transfection and post-transfection. However, the apoptosis rate of transfected fibroblasts were decreased compared with that of pre-transfection. The fibroblasts transfected by pGRN145 maintained the normal diploid karyotype, as well as the cells could normally secret type I and III collagen. CONCLUSION: The human fibroblasts transfected by pGRN145 has telomerase activity with prolonged life span of culture, which preliminarily proves the availability of establishing standard seeding cell lines of tissue engineering by hTERT plasmid transfection techniques.
Objective To explore the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) gene transfection on the expression level of VEGF-C in human breast cancer MCF-7 cell. Methods The constructed VEGF-C gene eukaryotic expression vector was transfected into the human breast cancer MCF-7 cell by using lipofectamine transfection reagents， and the positive cell clones were obtained through G418 selection after transfection. The expressions of VEGF-C mRNA and protein were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. Results Following the transfection of the VEGF-C recombination plasmid, there were significant differences on the expression levels of VEGF-C mRNA and protein between pcDNA3.1-VEGF-C transfection group and pcDNA3.1 transfection group （12.382±2.183 vs 6.039±1.950, P＜0.01; 0.971±0.186 vs 0.594±0.196, P＜0.05). Conclusion With the transfection of pcDNA3.1-VEGF-C vector by using the liposome, the expression levels of VEGF-C mRNA and protein rise up in breast cancer MCF-7 cell.
Objective To construct the lentiviral vector to co-express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene and human insul in (insulin) gene, and to explore the condition to transfect human umbil ical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) so as to lay a foundation for tissue engineered adipose reconstruction and transplantation in vivo infuture. Methods The insulin gene was cloned to lentiviral expression vector with EGFP [pLenti6.3-internal ribosome entrysite (IRES)-EGFP] by recombinant DNA technology, the positive clones were screened, and lentiviral packaged systems and target gene plasmid were co-transfected to package virus in 293T cells by lipofectin. The reporter gene expression was observed by fluorescent inverted phase contrast microscope, virus supernatant was collected, purificated and concentrated, and the titer of recombinant viruses was determinated. hUCMSCs from umbilical cord tissue of mature neonates were isolated and cultured by different multiple of infection (MOI, 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, and 20). By recombinant lentiviral infected hUCMSCs with reporter gene green fluorescent protein expression, the best MOI was screened; recombinant lentiviral infected hUCMSCs at the best MOI, then real-time PCR and Western blot methods were appl ied to detect insulin gene and insul in protein expression levels in cells. Results The recombinant lentiviral vector of co-expressing insulin gene and EGFP gene (pLenti6.3-insulin-IRESEGFP) was successfully constructed. Virus could be packaged, purificated and concentrated successfully. The virus titer was 1.3 × 108 TU/mL. The best MOI was 10 and the transfer efficiency was up to 90% in the same time. Real-time PCR results showed that insulin gene expression of transfected group was positive and non-transfected group was negative; Western blot detection confirmed that insul in protein expression of transfected group was positive in cells and supernatant, but that of non-transfected group was both negative. Conclusion Lentiviral vector pLenti6.3-insulin-IRES-EGFP carrying recombinant insulin gene could effectively transfect hUCMSCs and express insul in protein.
Objective To research the transfer of adenovirus human bone morphogenetic protein 4 (Ad-hBMP-4) to human degenerative lumbar intervertebral disc cells in vitro and analyze its effect on the proteoglycan, collagen type II, and Sox9 of intervertebral disc cells. Methods Identified Ad-hBMP-4 was amplified and detected. Degenerative lumbar intervertebral disc cells were aspirated from the degenerative lumbar intervertebral disc of patients with Modic III level disc protrusion (aged, 27-50 years). The expressing position of collagen type II was identified in the intervertebral disc cells through the laser confocal microscope. The intervertebral disc cells at passage 1 were transfected with Ad-hBMP-4 as experimental group. After 3 and 6 days of transfection, RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of proteoglycan, collagen type II, and Sox9, and Western blot to detect the expressions of proteoglycan and collagen type II proteins. Non-transfected cells at passage 1 served as control group. Results The virus titer of Ad-hBMP-4 was 5 × 106 PFU/mL. No morphological changes in the cells after transfection by Ad-hBMP-4. Collagen type II mainly expressed in the cell cytoplasm. The mRNA expressions of the proteoglycan, collagen type II, and Sox9 in experimental group at 3 and 6 days after transfection were significantly higher than those in control group by RT-PCR (P lt; 0.05), and the expressions of proteoglycan and collagen type II proteins were significantly higher than those in contorl group by Western blot (P lt; 0.05). There were significant differences between 3 days and 6 days in experimental group (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Ad-hBMP-4 could transfect human degenerative lumbar intervertebral cells with high efficiency and promote collagen type II, proteoglycan, and Sox9 expressions. hBMP-4 may play an important role in the repair process during early disc degeneration.
Objective To explore the human stromal cell-derived factor 1α (hSDF-1α) and human vascular endothel ial growth factor 165 (hVEGF165) mRNA expressions of the transfected cells after hSDF-1α gene and hVEGF165 gene were transfected into rat myoblasts in vitro so as to lay a foundation for further study on the synergistic effects of 2 genes on tissue engineered skeletal muscle vascularization. Methods The myoblasts of 1-day-old Sprague Dawley rats were cultured and purified by trypsin digestion assay in vitro and were identified by immunohistochemistry staining of Desmin. pproximately 70%-80% of confluent myoblasts were transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-hSDF-1α and EGFP-hVEGF165 genes in vitro (transfected group) and were not transfected (control group). The expressions of hSDF-1αand hVEGF165 mRNA and protein in the transfected cells were detected by RT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot espectively.Results The cultured cells were identified as myoblasts by immunohistochemistry staining of Desmin. The expression ofgreen fluorescent protein was observed in transfected cells, indicating that hSDF-1α and hVEGF165 genes were transfected into myoblasts successfully. The mRNA and protein expressions of the 2 genes were positive in the transfected group by RT-PCR and Western bolt assay at 2, 4, 6, and 8 days after transfection, and were negative in the control group. The expressions of hSDF- 1α and hVEGF165 showed a stable low level in the control group, but the expressions of the proteins increased at 2 days and then showed gradual downtrend with time in the transfected group by ELISA assay. There were significant differences in the expressions of hSDF-1α and hVEGF165 proteins between different time points in the transfected group, and between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion hSDF-1α and hVEGF165 genes are successfully transfected into myoblasts in vitro, and mRNA and proteins of hSDF-1α and hVEGF165 can be expressed in the transfected myoblasts, which may provide the experimental evidence for the expressions of hSDF-1α and hVEGF165 mRNA and proteins in vivo successfully.
Objective To investigate the possibility of constructing eukaryotic expression vector for human glial derived neurotrophic factor （hGDNF）, transfecting it to spinal cord tissue of rats so as to treat acute spinal cord injury. Methods The eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3-hGDNF was constructed by recombinant DNA technique, transfected into glial cell and neuron of spinal cord by liposome DOTAP as experimental group. In control group, mixture of empty vector and liposome was injected. The mRNA and protein expressions of hGNDF were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Results After the recombinant eukaryotic expression vector for hGDNF was digested with Hind III and XbaⅠ, electrophoresis revealed 400 bp fragment for hGDNF gene and 5 400 bp fragment for pcDNA3 vector. In the transfected spinal cord tissue, the mRNA and protein expressions of hGDNF gene were detected with RT-PCR and Western blot. Conclusion The constructed eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3hGDNF could be expressed in the transfected spinal cord tissue of rat, so it provide basis for gene therapy of acute spinal cord injury.
Objective To evaluate the transfection efficiency and expression level of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) by transfecting a recombinant adenovirus carrying HGF gene (Ad-HGF) into bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and to explore the effect of the expression supernatant on BMSCs in vitro so as to lay a foundation for the manufacture of gene medicine which expresses efficient cell factors. Methods Rat BMSCs were isolated using Percoll density gradient method and cultured according to the adherent property of BMSCs. The expression of c-Met was detected by immunohistochemical examination. BMSCs were infected with a recombinant adenovirus carrying green fluorescent protein gene (Ad-GFP) at multipl icity of infection (MOI, 0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 pfu/cell). To select an optimal MOI, the transfection efficiency and the degree of cell damage were assayed by flow cytometry and MTT, respectively, at 48 hours after transfecting. The expression of HGF in BMSCs transfected with optimal MOI Ad-HGF was measured with ELISA assay. MTT method was used to evaluate the prol iferation effect of HGF expression supernatant on BMSCs. Results Immunohistochemical staining showed that BMSCs expressed c-Met receptor for HGF. At 48 hours after transfecting with different MOI Ad-GFP (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 pfu/cell), the transfection efficiencies were 0.34% ± 0.04%, 40.72% ± 0.81%, 61.72% ± 1.04%, 85.33% ± 0.83%, and 17.91% ± 0.63%, respectively; and the highest transfection efficiency was observed at 100 pfu/cell MOI. The cell damage was obviously observed when MOI was 200 pfu/cell. The expression of HGF in BMSCs reached the highest level after being transfected with 100 pfu/cell MOI Ad-HGF for 48 hours. The expression product could stimulate the prol iferation of BMSCs. The prol iferation of BMSCs gradually rose with the increase of HGF protein, and reached the highest level at 10% (320 pg). Conclusion BMSCs can be transfected efficiently with Ad-HGF and express HGF protein, which stimulates the prol iferation of BMSCs. It suggests that BMSCs is an ideal repair cells with gene vector.