APPROACHES TO GENE-TRANSFER IN KERATINOCYTES

The introduction and expression of exogenous genetic material in cultu red cells has provided a powerful tool for studying gene function and regulation. Immortalized cell lines have been useful for establishing gene transfer methodologies that are generally inefficient. For invest igators of epidermal and mucosal biology, wishing to make use of the t issue architecture produced by primary keratinocytes in vitro, the lim ited life span of these cells presents a host of unique problems. Prim ary cells require the use of gene transfer methods that are highly eff icient and will not significantly alter the cell's normal differentiat ion pathway. The purpose of this review is to evaluate gene transfer t echnology as it applies to keratinocytes.