Question

Which one of the following is the most effective strategy in delivering a gene of interest in non-proliferating terminally differentiated cells?

• A. Adeno-associated viral particle
• B. Retroviral particle
• C. Calcium chloride
• D. Lipofectamine

Hint:

For gene delivery into non-proliferating, terminally differentiated cells, viral vectors such as Adeno-associated viruses are among the most effective due to their ability to efficiently transduce a wide variety of cell types, including non-dividing ones.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the options for gene delivery to non-proliferating terminally differentiated cells.
Non-proliferating, terminally differentiated cells are difficult to transfect because they are typically less receptive to gene delivery methods used in proliferating cells. Various strategies are employed to introduce genes into these cells, but some are more effective than others.

Step 2: Analyze the methods of gene delivery.
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) particles: AAV vectors are widely recognized for their ability to effectively deliver genes into both proliferating and non-proliferating cells. Their non-integrating nature minimizes the risk of mutagenesis, and they are particularly effective for gene delivery into terminally differentiated cells because of their ability to transduce a wide variety of cell types.

Retroviral particles: Retroviruses require the target cells to be dividing for effective gene delivery because they integrate their genetic material into the host genome. This makes them less effective in terminally differentiated cells, which do not divide.

Calcium chloride: Calcium chloride is commonly used for transfection, especially for bacterial cells or in certain eukaryotic cell lines. However, its efficiency in delivering genes to terminally differentiated cells is generally low compared to viral methods.

Lipofectamine: Lipofectamine is a popular reagent used for liposome-mediated transfection. While it is effective for many cell types, its efficiency in non-proliferating, terminally differentiated cells is not as high as viral methods, particularly AAV.

Step 3: Analyze the options

Option (1): Adeno-associated viral particle
This is the correct answer because AAV particles are effective in gene delivery to non-proliferating cells and have a well-established track record for therapeutic applications in gene therapy.

Option (2): Retroviral particle
This option is not ideal for terminally differentiated cells because retroviruses require cell division for successful gene integration. Hence, retroviruses are not the most effective for these cells.

Option (3): Calcium chloride
This method is not as effective in delivering genes to terminally differentiated cells, particularly for long-term gene expression.

Option (4): Lipofectamine
While Lipofectamine is useful for many transfection procedures, it is generally less effective in terminally differentiated cells compared to AAV particles.