Adenovirus mediated gene transfer of vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells in vitro.

Introducing foreign gene(s) into vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) is the pre-require-ment of gene therapy for cardiovascular diseases. We have explored the use of adenoviral vectors (Adv-CMV / LacZ) to transfer LacZ gene into cultured VSMCs and ECs. Our results demonstrated that adenoviral vectors transfered foreign gene into VSMCs and ECs high-efficiently with dose-dependent response pattern. The frequencies of transfection reached 100% at the viral titer of 109 pfu / ml. Comparing the sensitivities of VSMCs and ECs to adenoviral vectors, we found that ECs were more sensitive than VSMCs, of which the frequencies of transfection in ECs reached 80% while in VSMCs only 40% for 8 hrs after transfection. In addition, the transfection of ECs and VSMCs with adenoviral vectors was partly blocked by monoclonal antibodies to Fiber and Core protein of the adenoviral capsid, but not by monoclonal antibody to Hcxon protein. It is suggested transfection of ECs and VSMCs with adenovirus     

Enhanced adeno-associated virus vector expression by adenovirus protein-cationic liposome complex. A novel and high efficient way to introduce foreign DNA into endothelial cells.

Adeno-associated virus vector (AAV), a non-pathogenic integrating vector, can integrate on chromosome 19 in humans. But its gene transfer efficiency is quite low. In this study we combined adenovirus (Adv-5) capsid protein or the Fiber protein of Adv with liposome, termed adenosome (adenovirus protein-cationic liposome complex). This complex can bring AAV / CMV-LacZ to the endothelial cells, and improve the efficiency of gene transfer. It may be a novel, specific, stable and safe gene delivery system and will be widely used in human gene therapy.