RNA interference mediated in human primary cells via recombinant baculoviral vectors

Mol Ther. 2005 Apr;11(4):638-44. doi: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2004.12.010.

Abstract

The success of RNA interference (RNAi) in mammalian cells, mediated by siRNAs or shRNA-generating plasmids, is dependent, to an extent, upon transfection efficiency. This is a particular problem with primary cells, which are often difficult to transfect using cationic lipid vehicles. Effective RNAi in primary cells is thus best achieved with viral vectors, and retro-, adeno-, and lentivirus RNAi systems have been described. However, the use of such human viral vectors is inherently problematic, e.g., Class 2 status and requirement of secondary helper functions. Although insect cells are their natural host, baculoviruses also transduce a range of vertebrate cell lines and primary cells with high efficiency. The inability of baculoviral vectors to replicate in mammalian cells, their Class 1 status, and the simplicity of their construction make baculovirus an attractive alternative gene delivery vector. We have developed a baculoviral-based RNAi system designed to express shRNAs and GFP from U6 and CMV promoters, respectively. Transduction of Saos2, HepG2, Huh7, and primary human hepatic stellate cells with a baculoviral construct expressing shRNAs targeting lamin A/C resulted in effective knockdown of the corresponding mRNA and protein. Development of this baculoviral-based system provides an additional shRNA delivery option for RNAi-based investigations in mammalian cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Baculoviridae / genetics*
  • Cell Line
  • Gene Expression
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / analysis
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / analysis
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Transduction, Genetic / methods*

Substances

  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins