Optimization of ultrasound and microbubbles targeted gene delivery to cultured primary endothelial cells

• Published in: Journal of drug targeting 2007-01, Vol.15 (10), p.664-671
• Main Authors: Meijering, Bernadet D. M., Henning, Robert H., Van Gilst, Wiek H., Gavrilovi, Ivana, Van Wamel, Annemieke, Deelman, Leo E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cattle; Cells, Cultured; DNA - administration & dosage; endothelial cells; Endothelial Cells - metabolism; gene delivery; Gene Transfer Techniques; General pharmacology; Genetic Therapy; Medical sciences; Microbubbles; Pharmaceutical technology. Pharmaceutical industry; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Sonovue; Suspensions; transfection efficiency; Ultrasonics; Ultrasound
• ISSN: 1061-186X; 1029-2330
• DOI: 10.1080/10611860701605088

Ultrasound and microbubbles targeted gene delivery (UMTGD) is a promising technique for local gene delivery. As the endothelium is a primary target for systemic UMTGD, this study aimed at establishing the optimal parameters of UMTGD to primary endothelial cells. For this, an in vitro ultrasound (US) setup was employed in which individual UMTGD parameters were systematically optimized. The criteria for the final optimized protocol were: (1) relative high reporter gene expression levels, restricted to the US exposed area and (2) induction of not more than 5% cell death. US frequency and timing of medium replacement had a strong effect on UMTGD efficiency. Furthermore, US intensity, DNA concentration and total duration of US all affected UMTGD efficiency. Optimal targeted gene delivery to primary endothelial cells can be accomplished with Sonovue® microbubbles, using 20 μg/ml plasmid DNA, a 1 MHz US exposure of Ispta 0.10 W/cm2 for 30 s with immediate medium change after UMTGD. This optimized protocol resulted in both an increase in the number of transfected cells (more than three fold) and increased levels of transgene expression per cell (170%).