Gene Transfer to Rabbit Retina with Electron Avalanche Transfection

Abstract

Electron avalanche transfection is a powerful new technology for safe DNA delivery that has great promise as a nonviral system of gene transfer.

The φC31 Integrase System for Gene Therapy

“…The electroporation method used in these studies was relatively crude, involving placement of electrodes externally, and was accompanied by tissue damage. A more refined approach for DNA transfer, using surgical placement of microelectrodes and different electrical parameters, was demonstrated in rabbits [Chalberg et al, 2006b], and this method may translate to patients.…”

Vector platforms for gene therapy of inherited retinopathies

“…In adult rodents however, Kachi et al (2005) and Johnson et al (2008a) found that electroporation following subretinal delivery of naked plasmids enhanced transfection efficiency only in the RPE. However, by using the electron avalanche transfection method, the RPE, and also some PR, were targeted after DNA subretinal injection in the rabbit retina (Chalberg et al, 2006). This technique places an array of microelectrodes behind the eyeball to produce a localized electric field in proximity to cells targeted for transfection.…”

“…References cited in the table: 1 Kachi et al, 2005; 2 Johnson et al, 2008a; 3 Matsuda and Cepko, 2004; 4 Dezawa et al, 2002; 5 Ellouze et al, 2008; 6 Zhang et al, 2009a; 7 Chalberg et al, 2006; 8 Touchard et al, 2012; 9 Andrieu-Soler et al, 2007; 10 Souied et al, 2008; 11 Liao and Yau, 2007; 12 Puras et al, 2013a; 13 Puras et al, 2013b; 14 Delgado et al, 2012; 15 Reich et al, 2003b; 16 Turchinovich et al, 2010; 17 Normand et al, 2005; 18 Johnson et al, 2008b; 19 Johnson et al, 2010; 20 Read et al, 2010a; 21 Binder et al, 2013; 22 Farjo et al, 2006; 23 Cai et al, 2010; 24 Cai et al, 2009; 25 Han et al, 2012; 26 Koirala et al, 2013. …”

Nonviral gene therapy for age-related macular degeneration

“…In most studies the cathodal electrode is attached to the cornea often resulting in damage, such as cataracts and inflammation [91]. To prevent damage to ocular tissues and enhance gene transfer, Chalberg and colleagues developed a novel electroporation technique to transfer genes to retinal tissues in vivo in which the gene of interest is injected into a subretinal bleb and microsecond electric plasmamediated discharges applied via microelectrode arrays placed opposite the subretinal bleb behind the sclera [92]. This transfection method, known as electron avalanche transfection, produces a high electric field and synchronized pulses of mechanical stress.…”