Optimizing plasmid-based gene transfer for investigating skeletal muscle structure and function

Abstract

Intramuscular injection of naked plasmid DNA is a less cytotoxic alternative to viral vectors for delivering genetic material to skeletal muscle in vivo. However, the low efficiency of plasmid-based gene transfer limits its potential therapeutic efficacy and/or its use for many experimental applications. Current strategies to enhance transfection efficiency (i.e., electroporation) can cause significant muscle damage, confounding physiological assessments such as muscle contractility. Optimizing protocols to limit damage is critical for accurate physiological, biochemical, and molecular measurements. Following extensive testing, we developed an electroporation protocol that enhances transfect..