Enhancemnt of in vtro gene transfection by ultrasound

Introduction of plaasmid DNAs into cells for efficient expression of DNA has been being attempted aiming at creation of genetically engineered cells and gene therapy. Among various methods, viral vectors artificially modified have been used experimentally and clinically because of the high transfection efficiency. However, there are some problems to be improved, i.e., virus toxicity and antigenicity. On the other hand, we cannot always expect satisfiable DNA expression by using non-viral vectors of poor transfection efficiency. One possible way for the efficiency enhancement is to have demonstrated that US exposure enabled plasmid DNA to enhance its transfection efficiency (1,2). It is possible that US physically enhances the permeability of cell membrane, resulting in promoted DNA entry into cells. The objective of this study is to obtain fundamental information about the US-induced enhancement of DNA by use of in vitro cell culture.