Direct gene transfer into the colon using a double-balloon catheter.
OBJECTIVE
In spite of the many advances that have been made in understanding the molecular basis for diseases, a major obstacle to the treatment of human disorders remains the inability to express genes at specific sites in vivo. Recent progress in gene transfer technology has provided access to a variety of recombinant gene products that can be applied in clinical medicine for therapeutic purposes.


METHODS
In an animal model, we describe here the way in which a marker gene can be introduced into the colon using a double-balloon catheter. Cationic liposomes were used as vehicles to introduce DNA into the living organism. RSV-LacZ plasmid coding for the enzyme beta-galactosidase was used as a marker gene. Cells expressing beta-galactosidase can be stained using the chromogen X-gal. Positive cells show a blue coloration in the cytoplasm.


RESULTS
Both absorptive cells and goblet cells were successfully transduced with the marker gene. No evidence of similar staining was observed in control animals receiving a control plasmid or liposomes alone.


CONCLUSIONS
The method used is a simple, safe, and nontoxic way of delivering genes of interest to specific sites in the colon. Gene transfer may offer fresh potential for endoscopic interventions in colonic disease.
Schmid
R M
RM
Dept. of Internal Medicine I, University of Ulm, Germany.
Weidenbach
H
H
Liptay
S
S
Adler
G
G
D000818:Animals; D002404:Catheterization; D003106:Colon; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D008081:Liposomes; D010957:Plasmids; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D008081:Liposomes