Plasmid DNA induces in vivo expression of differently delivered gene

Objective To explore the differently delivered luciferase gene expressions in Balb/c mice. Methods Balb/c mice received intramuscular injection of recombinant luciferase-expressing plasmid, pGL-3-CMV or its mock plasmid, pGL-3-base, and electric, respectively. 10μg or 100μg of the above plasmids was intramuscularly injected or via electric pulse into musculus quadriceps fexoris. The plasmids were intradermally injected with a gene gun through 3 bullets, 2μg of plasmids and 4.5Mpa for each shoot. Luciferase activities were monitored for 24-144 hours after the gene was delivered into mice by bioluminescence imaging in vivo. Results The luciferase activity was not detectable in the mice after intramuscular injection of 10μg pGL-3-CMV, and reached its peak 48 hours after injection of 100μg pGL-3-CMV, and was detectable in mice injected with 10μg or 100μg pGL-3-CMV using a gene gun. After 24 hours, the luciferase activity reached its peak. Conclusion The exogenous gene expression level induced by injection with electric pulse and gene gun is higher than that induced by traditional intramuscular injection. It is reliable to use electric pulse and gene gun to deliver gene.