Navigation Links
Cells get sprayed
Date:1/18/2008

This release is also available in German.

Genetically engineered products have become indispensable. For example, genetically modified bacteria produce human insulin. In future, gene therapy should make it possible to introduce genes into the cells of a diseased organism so that they can address deficiencies to compensate for malfunctions in the body. In order for this to work, foreign (or synthetic) DNA must be introduced into host cells, which is not exactly a trivial task. Japanese researchers have now developed a method which could represent a true alternative to conventional processes. As described in the journal Angewandte Chemie, the cells are bombarded with water droplets produced and accelerated by electrospray.

There are several methods to transfer DNA into a host cell. In the simplest case the foreign DNA forces its way into the cell through a cell membrane that has been made porous, through treatment with electrical current or UV lasers, for example. Viruses and liposomes can be used as genetic transporters and the genetic material can be injected or shot into the cell with a particle gun. These methods all have the disadvantage of either severely damaging delicate cells or of being markedly expensive and complicated.

A team at the Saitama University led by Takafumi Sakai, in cooperation with Kazuto Ikemoto (Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company), has now developed a methodology that could provide an alternative: They bombard the cells with tiny electrically charged water droplets. The droplets tear tiny holes in the cell membranes, through which external DNA molecules can enter. After about one minute, the holes have closed back up and even delicate cells survive the procedure undamaged.

This method is based on a technique called electrospray, which has long been used with success, particularly in mass spectrometry. In this process, th
'/>"/>

Contact: Takafumi Sakai
tsakai@mail.saitama-u.ac.jp
Wiley-Blackwell
Source:Eurekalert

3

GOOD

Page: 1 2

Related biology news :

1. USC researchers identify mechanism that controls activation of stem cells during hair regeneration
2. Penn engineers create carbon nanopipettes that are smaller than cells and measure electric current
3. Type 1 diabetes triggered by lazy regulatory T-cells: McGill researchers
4. CSHL scientists identify cells that promote formation of lethal lung metastases
5. Breast cancer cells have to learn to walk before they can run
6. Lung cancer cells survival gene seen as drug target
7. Cornell researcher seeks clues to how tuberculosis infects cells
8. UC Irvine scientists find new way to sort stem cells
9. Bacteria that cause urinary tract infections invade bladder cells
10. CSHL scientists identify and repress breast cancer stem cells in mouse tissue
11. How molecular muscles help cells divide
Post Your Comments:
*Name:
*Comment:
*Email:
Breaking Biology News(10 mins):H1N1 influenza adopted novel strategy to move from birds to humans 2H1N1 influenza adopted novel strategy to move from birds to humans 3H1N1 influenza adopted novel strategy to move from birds to humans 4Leibniz Prize 2010: 10 winners receive honor, prize money and 'idyllic freedom' 2Leibniz Prize 2010: 10 winners receive honor, prize money and 'idyllic freedom' 3Leibniz Prize 2010: 10 winners receive honor, prize money and 'idyllic freedom' 4Leibniz Prize 2010: 10 winners receive honor, prize money and 'idyllic freedom' 5Leibniz Prize 2010: 10 winners receive honor, prize money and 'idyllic freedom' 6Leibniz Prize 2010: 10 winners receive honor, prize money and 'idyllic freedom' 7Leibniz Prize 2010: 10 winners receive honor, prize money and 'idyllic freedom' 8Leibniz Prize 2010: 10 winners receive honor, prize money and 'idyllic freedom' 9Leibniz Prize 2010: 10 winners receive honor, prize money and 'idyllic freedom' 10Brooding fishes take up nutrients from their own children 2Viagra for women 3F Drug developed as antidepressant effective in treating low libido 61409 1Viagra for women 3F Drug developed as antidepressant effective in treating low libido 61409 2NOVAVAX Completes First Stage of Enrollment in Pivotal H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Study in the Country of Mexico 14845 1NOVAVAX Completes First Stage of Enrollment in Pivotal H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Study in the Country of Mexico 14845 2NOVAVAX Completes First Stage of Enrollment in Pivotal H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Study in the Country of Mexico 14845 3Cardo Medical Inc Announces Closing of 246 2 Million Private Placement 6283 1Cardo Medical Inc Announces Closing of 246 2 Million Private Placement 6283 2Cardo Medical Inc Announces Closing of 246 2 Million Private Placement 6283 3
Breaking Biology Technology:Reportlinker Adds Biotechnology Instrumentation - International Market Trends 2Reportlinker Adds Biotechnology Instrumentation - International Market Trends 3Reportlinker Adds Biotechnology Instrumentation - International Market Trends 4Reportlinker Adds Biotechnology Instrumentation - International Market Trends 5Reportlinker Adds Biotechnology Instrumentation - International Market Trends 6Reportlinker Adds Biotechnology Instrumentation - International Market Trends 7SciVal Spotlight Gaining Momentum Across the Globe as More Universities Seek Multidisciplinary View of Research Performance 2SciVal Spotlight Gaining Momentum Across the Globe as More Universities Seek Multidisciplinary View of Research Performance 3Millipore Sponsors Three Academic Memberships for the MetaMiner Stem Cell Project 2Millipore Sponsors Three Academic Memberships for the MetaMiner Stem Cell Project 3BARDA Announces Modification to Development Approach for Recombinant Protective Antigen Anthrax Vaccines 2BARDA Announces Modification to Development Approach for Recombinant Protective Antigen Anthrax Vaccines 3BARDA Announces Modification to Development Approach for Recombinant Protective Antigen Anthrax Vaccines 4