Electroporation of dissociated hippocampal neurons

Abstract

Consistent and efficient gene transfer into postmitotic neurons is desirable for the study of neurons. Recent refinement of cell culturing techniques has enabled us to prepare various types of neurons in dissociated cultures. Among them, hippocampal neurons rapidly polarize, form complex morphology after plating, and are of great use in many studies. Although progenitors of hippocampal neurons can be efficiently transfected by in utero electroporation, postmitotic neurons are less susceptible to transfection than progenitors. We have developed an in vitro electroporation method, which allows for quick and easy transfection into dissociated hippocampal neurons.