Inhibitory effect of Ca2+ on in vivo gene transfer by electroporation

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the specific effects of Ca2+ on transgene expression during electroporation-mediated gene transfer in mice. Methods: Skeletal muscle and skin were subjected to in vivo electroporation with a luciferase reporter plasmid, with or without Ca2+ and various other ions. Results: For in vivo electroporation, the presence of just 10 mmol/L Ca2+ in the DNA solution drastically reduced the resulting transgene expression, to less than 5% of control values. Only Ca2+, not other ions, caused inhibition, and the effect was not tissue specific. More surprisingly, even when Ca2+ ions were delivered by electroporation before or after DNA administration, similar effects were still observed. Conclusion: The inhibitory effect of Ca2+ on in vivo gene transfer by electroporation is specific, ie, the inhibitory effect may be related to the cell membrane properties after electroporation and the subsequent resealing event. ©2006 CPS and SIMM.