INTRODUCTION OF GENES INTO LIVING CELLS

One of our main subjects is an application of the FEL to gene therapy of genetic diseases, immunodeficiency syndromes and cancer. In this st udy, using the FEL, we tried to establish a model system for introduci ng genes into the stem cells from which all blood cells are derived. O ur aim is to specifically mark the stem cells with monoclonal antibodi es which are conjugated with efficient FEL absorbers. Cells are then i rradiated with FEL at a wavelength corresponding to the absorption ene rgy of the absorber. We speculate that the gap formation of cell membr ane will occur, caused by the thermal shock due to the absorption of t he FEL energy. As an animal model for gene therapy, we tried to transf er the RAG-2 genes into hematopoietic stem cells from RAG-2 deficient mice, which have severe immunodeficiency because of the lack of RAG-2 gene required for lymphocyte development. As the results by this const ruct, the infant lymphocytes (T and B cells) could be observed in the thymus of the RAG-2 deficient mice 2 weeks post-operative. (C) 1998 El sevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.