OPTIMIZATION OF LIPOSOME-MEDIATED TRANSFECTION OF A NEURONAL CELL-LINE

A cell line derived from sensory neurons was transfected with high eff iciency using cationic liposomes, formulated from 3 N-(N',N'-dimethyla minoethane)carbamoyl]cholesterol (DC-Chol) and dioleoyl L-alpha-phosph atidylethanolamine (DOPE). This is the first time that cationic liposo mes of this type have been reported to transfect a neuronal cell line. We used a reporter gene construct expressing beta-galactosidase under the control of the cytomegalovirus immediate early promoter and routi nely observed transfection efficiencies > 40%. Parameters affecting tr ansfection efficiency were examined and the ratio of DNA to liposome p roved to be crucial. Liposome formulation procedures and cell transfec tion protocols devised here will be used as a basis for further in viv o and in vitro work.