A novel method for the intracellular delivery of siRNA using microbubble-enhanced focused ultrasound.
Short interfering RNA (siRNA) has attracted much attention for clinical use in various diseases. However, its delivery, especially through the cell membrane, continues to present a challenge. Advances in ultrasound- and ultrasound contrast-agent technologies have made it possible to change transiently the permeability of the cell membrane and, using a focused ultrasound transducer, to narrow and focus the ultrasound energy on a small target, thereby avoiding damage to surrounding tissue. In this in vitro study, we demonstrate that it is possible to deliver siRNA intracellularly via microbubble-enhanced focused ultrasound. Although further optimization is necessary, our novel method for siRNA transduction represents a powerful tool for using siRNA in vivo and possibly in the clinical setting.
Kinoshita
Manabu
M
Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. mkinosit@bwh.harvard.edu
Hynynen
Kullervo
K
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D002469:Cell Separation; D002470:Cell Survival; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000494:pharmacology; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000378:metabolism; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D045423:Microbubbles; D010957:Plasmids / Q000378:metabolism; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D013010:Sonication; D014162:Transfection; D014465:Ultrasonics; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins