Gene expression in tilapia following oral delivery of chitosan-encapsulated plasmid DNA incorporated into fish feeds

Mar Biotechnol (NY). 2005 Mar-Apr;7(2):89-94. doi: 10.1007/s10126-004-3018-0. Epub 2005 Mar 11.

Abstract

DNA delivery into fish is important for transient gene expression, (e.g., DNA vaccination). Previous studies have generally focused on intramuscular injection of DNA vaccines into fish. However, this method is obviously impractical and laborious for injecting large numbers of fishes. This study reports oral delivery of a construct expressing the beta-galactosidase reporter gene into fish by encapsulating the DNA in chitosan and incorporating it into fish feeds. We found that beta-galactosidase expression could be observed in the stomachs, spleens, and gills of fishes fed with flakes containing the chitosan-DNA complex. These results suggest that DNA vaccines and other constructs can be easily and cheaply delivered into fishes orally by use of carriers and incorporation into fish feeds.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / analysis*
  • Animals
  • Aquaculture / methods*
  • Chitosan / metabolism
  • Galactosides
  • Gastric Mucosa / metabolism
  • Gene Expression*
  • Genes, Reporter / genetics
  • Gills / metabolism
  • Histological Techniques
  • Indoles
  • Nanotubes
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Spleen / metabolism
  • Tilapia / genetics*
  • Tilapia / metabolism
  • Vaccines, DNA / genetics*
  • beta-Galactosidase / genetics
  • beta-Galactosidase / metabolism*

Substances

  • Galactosides
  • Indoles
  • Vaccines, DNA
  • Chitosan
  • beta-Galactosidase
  • 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl beta-galactoside