Gene transfer and expression in human neutrophils. The phox homology domain of p47phox translocates to the plasma membrane but not to the membrane of mature phagosomes
2006

Gene transfer and expression in human neutrophils

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jennifer L. Johnson, Beverly A. Ellis, Daniela B. Munafo, Agnieszka A. Brzezinska, Sergio D. Catz

Primary Institution: The Scripps Research Institute

Hypothesis

Can exogenous gene expression be achieved in human neutrophils using nucleofection?

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that cDNA transfer and expression of exogenous protein in human neutrophils is compatible with cell viability.

Supporting Evidence

  • Neutrophils transfected by nucleofection are functional and can respond to stimuli.
  • Transfection efficiency was observed to be 0.4 to 1%.
  • Transfected neutrophils maintained their ability to undergo phagocytosis.

Takeaway

Scientists found a way to put new genes into human neutrophils without hurting the cells, which helps them study how these genes work.

Methodology

Neutrophils were transfected using nucleofection and analyzed for gene expression and functionality.

Limitations

The relatively low efficiency of transfection/expression restricts subsequent analysis to experiments that use single cells.

Participant Demographics

Human neutrophils isolated from healthy donors.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2172-7-28

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