Expression vector with DNA of bovine papilloma virus 1 for keratinocyte gene therapy

Although there are several methods for introducing the genes to keratinocyt es in vivo, expression of transgene does not last long enough for effective keratinocyte gene therapy. In this study, we added bovine papilloma virus 1 (BPV) DNA into expression vectors with the lacZ gene driven by metallothi onein and keratin 10 promoters, and we transferred them into keratinocytes in vivo using the naked DNA method, and measured beta-gal activity in kerat inocytes. The results showed that beta-galactosidase activity of vectors wi th the BPV DNA was clearly higher than that without the DNA. Moreover. time -course experiment disclosed that the activity of the BPV vector declined a t a lower rate than that of the control vector, suggesting this fragment pr olonged transgene expression. These results should prove useful for underst anding gene regulation in keratinocytes in vivo and for developing potentia l expression vectors for keratinocyte gene therapy. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scien ce Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.