Topical gene delivery to murine skin

We topically applied naked plasmid DNA containing the luciferase or chloram phenicol acetyltransferase cDNA directly to mouse skin. Gene expression was detected in skin samples as early as 4 h after DNA application, plateaued from 16 to 72 h post-application, and had decreased significantly by 7 d po st-application, Reporter gene activity following topical DNA delivery was c omparable with that produced by intradermal injection of DNA, Plasmid DNA a t concentrations greater than or equal to 0.25 mu g per mu l were required to achieve maximal expression levels. Reporter gene expression following to pical administration was largely confined to the superficial layers of the epidermis and to hair follicles, Surprisingly, certain cationic liposomes i nhibited the efficiency of cutaneous gene transfer. This technique provides a simple, clinically relevant approach to deliver genes to the skin, with potential application in treating a variety of cutaneous disorders.