ADENOVIRAL-MEDIATED GENE-TRANSFER TO RENAL TUBULAR CELLS IN-VIVO

The efficient introduction of genetic material into quiescent renal ce lls is potentially important in the study of renal physiopathology and for gene therapy of kidney related disorders. A replication-deficient adenoviral vector that contained a reporter gene encoding the nuclear beta-galactosidase was either selectively perfused into the renal art ery or infused through a retrograde catheter into the pyelic cavity of the left kidney of adult rats. Highly efficient gene transfer was ach ieved by either route of administration, and nuclear beta-galactosidas e activity was detected for two to four weeks following a progressive decline of expression. Genetically-modified cells were identified as p roximal tubular cells when the adenoviral vector was selectively perfu sed via the renal artery, while tubular cells from the papilla and med ulla were selectively transduced by retrograde infusion of the viral v ector. No obvious cytopathic effect was observed. We conclude that: (i ) efficient gene transfer in renal tubular cells can be achieved by ad enoviral vectors; (ii) the targeted cell population can be chosen thro ugh the route of administration.