Hydrodynamic Delivery (HD) is a method of DNA insertion in rodent models. Genes are delivered via injection into the bloodstream of the animal, and are expressed in the liver. This protocol is helpful to determine gene function, regulate gene expression, and develop pharmaceuticals in vivo[1].
Methods
editHydrodynamic Delivery was developed as a way to insert genes without viral infection (transfection). The procedure requires a high-volume DNA solution to be inserted into the veins of the rodent using a high-pressure needle[2]. The volume of the DNA is typically 8-10% equal to 8-10% of the animal’s body weight, and is injected within 5-7 seconds[3]. The pressure of the insertion leads to cardiac congestion (increased pressure in the heart), allowing the DNA solution to flow through the bloodstream and accumulate in the liver[2]. The pressure expands the pores in the cell membrane, forcing the DNA molecules into the parenchyma, or the functional cells of the organ[4][2][1].In the liver, these cells are the hepatocytes. In less than two minutes after the injection, the pressure returns to natural levels, and the pores shrink back, trapping the DNA inside of the cell. After injection, the majority of genes are expressed in the liver of the animal over a long period of time[5][3].
Originally developed to insert DNA, further developments in HD have enabled the insertion of RNA, proteins, and short oligonucleotides into cells[5].
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Applications
editThe development of Hydrodynamic Delivery methods allows an alternative way to study in vivo experiments. This method has shown to be effective in small mammals, without the potential risks and complications of viral transfection[6]. Applications of these studies include: testing regulatory elements, generating antibodies, analyzing gene therapy techniques, and developing models for diseases[7]. Typically, genes are expressed in the liver, but the procedure can be altered to express genes in kidneys, lungs, muscles, heart, and pancreas[2].
Gene Therapy
editHydrodynamic Delivery has been used to insert genes in an effort to combat genetic diseases. Since HD has mainly focused on small mammals such as rodents, its application in humans is limited. Ongoing research is increasing applications in large mammals and future clinical studies. Computer-assisted image-guided techniques allow surgeons to insert the needle or catheter in the precise site, while an automated injection device monitors and adjusts the pressure needed for optimal gene transmission[8]. With more precise injections, the volume of DNA solution can be reduced to about 1% of the organism’s body weight [8].
By using a catheter to conduct the injection, surgeons are able to express genes in organs other than the liver. Placing the catheter in alternate locations allows the DNA solution to reach the target, although genes are still expressed in the liver[3].
Developing Model Organisms
editHydrodynamic DNA delivery is a useful tool for creating model systems for human disease. Using this technique, laboratories are able to study genetic diseases in vivo. In addition to gene transfer, HD has also been shown to work in tumor cells[3]. Metastatic cancer cells can be successfully delivered in model organisms in order to study specific cancers[3].
Alternative Non-Viral Transfection Methods
editAlternative methods can be used to insert genes into an organism without a viral vector. These can be split into physical and chemical techniques[2][6].
Physical Methods:
- Electroporation
- Gene gun
- Sonoporation
- Microneedle
- Magnetofection
Chemical Methods:
- Cationic lipids
- Cationic polymers
- Dendrimer-based vectors
- Polypeptide-based vectors
- Inorganic, polymeric, and lipid nanoparticles
- Gemini surfactants
References
edit- ^ a b Suda, Takeshi; Liu, Dexi (2015-01-01), Huang, Leaf; Liu, Dexi; Wagner, Ernst (eds.), "Chapter Four - Hydrodynamic Delivery", Advances in Genetics, Nonviral Vectors for Gene Therapy, vol. 89, Academic Press, pp. 89–111, retrieved 2022-10-08
- ^ a b c d e Sharma, Divya; Arora, Sanjay; Singh, Jagdish; Layek, Buddhadev (2021-07-31). "A review of the tortuous path of nonviral gene delivery and recent progress". International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 183: 2055–2073. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.05.192. ISSN 0141-8130. PMC 8266766. PMID 34087309.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: PMC format (link) - ^ a b c d e Kamimura, Kenya; Yokoo, Takeshi; Abe, Hiroyuki; Kobayashi, Yuji; Ogawa, Kohei; Shinagawa, Yoko; Inoue, Ryosuke; Terai, Shuji (2015-09). "Image-Guided Hydrodynamic Gene Delivery: Current Status and Future Directions". Pharmaceutics. 7 (3): 213–223. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics7030213. ISSN 1999-4923.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link) - ^ Conn, David Bruce (1993). "The Biology of Flatworms (Platyhelminthes): Parenchyma Cells and Extracellular Matrices". Transactions of the American Microscopical Society. 112 (4): 241–261. doi:10.2307/3226561. ISSN 0003-0023.
- ^ a b Bonamassa, Barbara; Hai, Li; Liu, Dexi (2011-04-01). "Hydrodynamic Gene Delivery and Its Applications in Pharmaceutical Research". Pharmaceutical Research. 28 (4): 694–701. doi:10.1007/s11095-010-0338-9. ISSN 1573-904X. PMC 3064722. PMID 21191634.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: PMC format (link) - ^ a b Nguyen, Andrew T.; Dow, Adrienne C.; Kupiec-Weglinski, Jerzy; Busuttil, Ronald W.; Lipshutz, Gerald S. (2008-07-01). "Evaluation of Gene Promoters for Liver Expression by Hydrodynamic Gene Transfer". Journal of Surgical Research. 148 (1): 60–66. doi:10.1016/j.jss.2008.02.016. ISSN 0022-4804. PMC 2761841. PMID 18570932.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: PMC format (link) - ^ Herweijer, H.; Wolff, J. A. (2007-01). "Gene therapy progress and prospects: Hydrodynamic gene delivery". Gene Therapy. 14 (2): 99–107. doi:10.1038/sj.gt.3302891. ISSN 1476-5462.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Suda, Takeshi; Suda, Kieko; Liu, Dexi (2008-06-01). "Computer-assisted Hydrodynamic Gene Delivery". Molecular Therapy. 16 (6): 1098–1104. doi:10.1038/mt.2008.66. ISSN 1525-0016.