title: Gene silencing of MK2 in hard-to-transfect human U937 cells.
abstract: Genetic modifications used to answer biological questions in cultured cells are widely used in basic research. Common transfection methods are based on viral components causing cell activation or chemical modifications of small interfering RNA and cytotoxic reagents. Here, we report a rapid and efficient approach to transfect hard-to-transfect human U937 cells via the HVJ Envelope vector system, independent from special transfection media or immobilization of cells. This protocol provides a convenient means of knocking down MAPK-activated kinase 2 in hard-to-transfect cells to study inflammation, cell adhesion, and migration characteristics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany. silvia.tietz@neuro.med.uni-giessen.de
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Tietz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Berghoff
mesh_terms: D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006801:Humans; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000235:genetics*; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D020298:U937 Cells; D000099190:MAP-Kinase-Activated Kinase 2
chemical_list: D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D000099190:MAP-Kinase-Activated Kinase 2