Ultrastructural analysis of DNA complexes during transfection and intracellular transport

J Histochem Cytochem. 2003 Sep;51(9):1237-40. doi: 10.1177/002215540305100914.

Abstract

We present a simple method based on transmission electron microscopy that allows investigation of the early steps of polyplex-mediated transfection without the use of labeled DNA. The ultrastructural analysis showed internalization of 0.2-1-micro m aggregates composed of 30-50-nm subunits. In addition, new details of the internalization process were revealed, suggesting an unspecific cell entry mechanism of large DNA aggregates.

MeSH terms

  • Biological Transport
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Humans
  • Luciferases / genetics
  • Luciferases / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Peptides* / chemistry
  • Peptides* / genetics
  • Peptides* / metabolism
  • Plasmids / chemistry
  • Plasmids / metabolism
  • Plasmids / ultrastructure*
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Luciferases