Manipulating the genetic identity and biochemical surface properties of individual cells with electric-field-induced fusion.
A method for cell-cell and cell-liposome fusion at the single-cell level is described. Individual cells or liposomes were first selected and manipulated either by optical trapping or by adhesion to a micromanipulator-controlled ultramicroelectrode. Spatially selective fusion of the cell-cell or cell-liposome pair was achieved by the application of a highly focused electric field through a pair of 5-micrometer o.d. carbon-fiber ultramicroelectrodes. The ability to fuse together single cells opens new possibilities in the manipulation of the genetic and cellular makeup of individual cells in a controlled manner. In the study of cellular networks, for example, the alteration of the biochemical identity of a selected cell can have a profound effect on the behavior of the entire network. Fusion of a single liposome with a target cell allows the introduction of the liposomal content into the cell interior as well as the addition of lipids and membrane proteins onto the cell surface. This cell-liposome fusion represents an approach to the manipulation of the cytoplasmic contents and surface properties of single cells. As an example, we have introduced a membrane protein (gamma-glutamyltransferase) reconstituted in liposomes into the cell plasma membrane.
Strömberg
A
A
Department of Chemistry, Göteborg University, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden.
Ryttsén
F
F
Chiu
D T
DT
Davidson
M
M
Eriksson
P S
PS
Wilson
C F
CF
Orwar
O
O
Zare
R N
RN
D000818:Animals; D002459:Cell Fusion; D002460:Cell Line; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes / Q000378:metabolism; D008839:Microelectrodes; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism
D008081:Liposomes; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase