DNA-mediated Gene Transfer Research Articles

Improving DNA damage repair ability ofE. coli to UV-radiosensitivity by DNA-mediated gene transfer of low energy ion beam

Using calcium chloride method of transfer gene as control, a new technique of transferring gene by low energy ion beam has been applied to the study of improving DNA damage repair ability ofE. coli to UV-radiosensitivity. The genome DNA pieces ofDeinococcus radiodurans, as “foreign” genetic materials, were introduced into the UV-radiosensitive strains ofE. coli by implantation of 20 keV Ar+ at doses ranging from 1 × 1015 to 2 × 1015 ions/cm2. Results show that the transfected strains present higher UV-radioresistance than that of un-transfected ones and start ones. The survival rate of transfected strains and their unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) ability is increased, indicating that the transfer gene is a success.

Targeted gene disruption reveals an adhesin indispensable for pathogenicity of Blastomyces dermatitidis.

Systemic fungal infections are becoming more common and difficult to treat, yet the pathogenesis of these infectious diseases remains poorly understood. In many cases, pathogenicity can be attributed to the ability of the fungi to adhere to target tissues, but the lack of tractable genetic systems has limited progress in understanding and interfering with the offending fungal products. In Blastomyces dermatitidis, the agent of blastomycosis, a respiratory and disseminated mycosis of people and animals worldwide, expression of the putative adhesin encoded by the WI-1 gene was investigated as a possible virulence factor. DNA-mediated gene transfer was used to disrupt the WI-1 locus by allelic replacement, resulting in impaired binding and entry of yeasts into macrophages, loss of adherence to lung tissue, and abolishment of virulence in mice; each of these properties was fully restored after reconstitution of WI-1 by means of gene transfer. These findings establish the pivotal role of WI-1 in adherence and virulence of B. dermatitidis yeasts. To our knowledge, they offer the first example of a genetically proven virulence determinant among systemic dimorphic fungi, and underscore the value of reverse genetics for studies of pathogenesis in these organisms.

Liposomes as a gene delivery system.

Gene therapy is an active field that has progressed rapidly into clinical trials in a relatively short time. The key to success for any gene therapy strategy is to design a vector able to serve as a safe and efficient gene delivery vehicle. This has encouraged the development of nonviral DNA-mediated gene transfer techniques such as liposomes. Many liposome-based DNA delivery systems have been described, including molecular components for targeting given cell surface receptors or for escaping from the lysosomal compartment. Another recent technology using cationic lipids has been evaluated and has generated substantial interest in this approach to gene transfer.

Structural requirements for beta1 integrin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation in human T cells.

The beta1 integrin adhesion receptors activate signal transduction pathways that induce tyrosine phosphorylation of a variety of substrates. Increased tyrosine phosphorylation is mediated by the beta1 subunit cytoplasmic domain, which consists of 46 amino acids and contains no intrinsic kinase activity. In the H9 T cell line, beta1 integrin engagement leads to the increased tyrosine phosphorylation of three 105 to 115-kDa substrates that are distinct from focal adhesion kinase (FAK): HEF1 (human enhancer of filamentation 1), a protein with structural homology to p130Cas, and two novel substrates, pp105 and pp115. DNA-mediated gene transfer was used to explore the role of the beta1 cytoplasmic domain in integrin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of HEF1, pp105, and pp115 in human T cells. Using a chimeric receptor composed of the cytoplasmic domain of the beta1 integrin subunit and the extracellular and transmembrane domains of the CD2 Ag, we demonstrate that the beta1 cytoplasmic domain is necessary and sufficient for inducing tyrosine phosphorylation of each of these three substrates in H9 T cells. Analysis of a series of beta1 cytoplasmic domain truncations reveals that a truncation of only five amino acids from the carboxyl-terminal end of the beta1 cytoplasmic domain abrogates the ability of the CD2/beta1 chimera to activate tyrosine phosphorylation of HEF1, pp105, or pp115. Thus, the carboxyl-terminal five amino acids, Lys-Tyr-Glu-Gly-Lys (KYEGK), of the beta1 integrin cytoplasmic domain are critical for the coordinate tyrosine phosphorylation of three non-FAK substrates in human T cells.

Integrin alpha 6A beta 1 induces CD81-dependent cell motility without engaging the extracellular matrix migration substrate.

It is well established that integrins and extracellular matrix (ECM) play key roles in cell migration, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly defined. We describe a novel mechanism whereby the integrin alpha 6 beta 1, a laminin receptor, can affect cell motility and induce migration onto ECM substrates with which it is not engaged. By using DNA-mediated gene transfer, we expressed the human integrin subunit alpha 6A in murine embryonic stem (ES) cells. ES cells expressing alpha 6A (ES6A) at the surface dimerized with endogenous beta 1, extended numerous filopodia and lamellipodia, and were intensely migratory in haptotactic assays on laminin (LN)-1. Transfected alpha 6A was responsible for these effects, because cells transfected with control vector or alpha 6B, a cytoplasmic domain alpha 6 isoform, displayed compact morphology and no migration, like wild-type ES cells. The ES6A migratory phenotype persisted on fibronectin (Fn) and Ln-5. Adhesion inhibition assays indicated that alpha 6 beta 1 did not contribute detectably to adhesion to these substrates in ES cells. However, anti-alpha 6 antibodies completely blocked migration of ES6A cells on Fn or Ln-5. Control experiments with monensin and anti-ECM antibodies indicated that this inhibition could not be explained by deposition of an alpha 6 beta 1 ligand (e.g., Ln-1) by ES cells. Cross-linking with secondary antibody overcame the inhibitory effect of anti-alpha 6 antibodies, restoring migration or filopodia extension on Fn and Ln-5. Thus, to induce migration in ES cells, alpha 6A beta 1 did not have to engage with an ECM ligand but likely participated in molecular interactions sensitive to anti-alpha 6 beta 1 antibody and mimicked by cross-linking. Antibodies to the tetraspanin CD81 inhibited alpha 6A beta 1-induced migration but had no effect on ES cell adhesion. It is known that CD81 is physically associated with alpha 6 beta 1, therefore our results suggest a mechanism by which interactions between alpha 6A beta 1 and CD81 may up-regulate cell motility, affecting migration mediated by other integrins.

Selection of transfected cells. Magnetic affinity cell sorting.

AbstractDNA-mediated gene transfer techniques have revolutionalized molecular biology and are used extensively to study the function and regulation of eukaryotic genes in a variety of cell types. In general, expression of genes in mammalian cells can be studied by either stable transformation or by transient expression. Stable transformation of cells expressing the gene of interest can be achieved by cotransfection of the gene cloned in an appropriate expression vector under the control of a constitutive or inducible eukaryotic cellular or viral promoter and a vector that carries a dominant selectable marker such as Eco-gpt (1) or neo (2). Since the DNA-mediated gene transfer methods target only a fraction of cells for gene expression, the isolation of stably transfected cells with a selectable marker gives rise to a cell population expressing the gene of interest free of untransfected cells under conditions of drug selection. However, this method of selection is a long-term process and may have adverse effects on host cell functions such as cell growth or chromosomal rearrangements due to integration of a single or multiple copies of the selectable marker gene. Transient expression without a dominant selectable marker allows functional analysis of the transfected gene within 24–72 h after transfection but suffers from the drawback that the presence of a large fraction of untransfected cells in the milieu of cells expressing the gene of interest may give rise to problems of interference due to high background. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a method for isolation of transiently transfected cells free of untransfected cells within 24–72 h after transfection. With this overall goal in mind, the previously developed “panning” methodology was modified to isolate transiently transfected cells expressing the gene of interest together with a cotransfected cell surface marker gene using the magnetic affinity cell sorting (MACS) technology (3; for reviews, see refs 4–8). The MACS methodology allows the separation of cells expressing a surface protein away from those lacking the marker. The cell surface marker could be either introduced into cells by DNA-mediated gene transfer techniques or be an endogenously-expressing protein on the surface of selective cell type. In either case, the antibodies against the surface protein attached to a magnetic matrix are used to selectively “pull out” cells expressing that surface marker with the application of a magnetic field under appropriate experimental conditions whereas the cells lacking the marker remain unaffected. Expression of any cell surface protein for which a suitable antibody is available in a variety of cell types using DNA-mediated gene transfer methods allows this methodology to be useful in a wide range of biological applications (6,8,9). In the initial stages of development of this application of MACS methodology to transfected cells, readily assayable reporter gene product such as chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) was used as the gene of interest in conjunction with the cell surface markers such as the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G) and the Tat subunit of interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R) for transient expression in mammalian cells by DNA-mediated transfection techniques (3,10,11). Subsequently, it was shown that MACS could be successfully used to select a rare population of cells expressing the P-glycoprotein, the product of multiple drug resistant (mdr) gene (6,8,9) among human lymphomas as well as for selection of virus-infected cells expressing a surface protein (using dengue virus as an example) (6). The experimental conditions for MACS methodology have undergone some improvement over the original protocol published (3), and the modified procedure is described in this chapter.KeywordsUntransfected CellDulbecco Modify Eagle MediumMDR1 Gene ExpressionCoupling BufferRotary MixerThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

Genes involved in oncogenesis

During the past decade, great insights have been made into the mechanisms surrounding the pathogenesis of cancer. Such strides have been aided by the study of DNA-mediated gene transfer, oncogenic DNA and RNA viruses in animals, and evaluation of genes and chromosomes in families with apparently heritable forms of cancer. New molecular biology methodologies, including gene mapping and cloning, as well as the ability to induce mutations in mice through the use of transgenic and knock-out technology, have contributed significantly to these studies. Through this work, four categories of genes have been identified that are involved in oncogenesis: (1) oncogenes that normally function to promote cellular growth and division in a programmed manner, but which can trigger unregulated proliferation when some aspect of their function or expression is altered, (2) tumor-suppressor genes, which normally act to suppress cellular growth and which can lead to uncontrolled proliferation when inactivated, (3) genes encoding DNA repair enzymes, which when dysfunctional lead to an increased accumulation of mutations in cancer-predisposing genes, and (4) metastasis-associated genes, which when activated allow cancer cells to disseminate and establish tumors in sites peripheral to the original neoplasm.

Highly effective delivery of foreign DNA to adherent cells via polybrene/DMSO-assisted gene transfer.

The ability to transfect cells with native genometic DNA and engineered gene/vector constructs has played a leading role in accelerating our understanding of gene regulation and function. Yet, despite significant diversification of gene delivery strategies, efforts to expand the repertory of cell types amenable to DNA-mediated gene transfer continue to stumble over a recurrent obstacle—namely, the sensitivity that recipient cells often manifest towards the gene transfer procedure itself (,). To minimize the likelihood of cytopathic effects engendered by chemical and physical methods investigators, more and more, are adopting low toxicity synthetic polymers and ligand-mediated strategies to dispatch copious amounts of exogenous DNA to the surfaces of target cells (, , , , , , , ).

A hamster temperature-sensitive G1 mutant, tsBN250 has a single point mutation in histidyl-tRNA synthetase that inhibits an accumulation of cyclin D1.

We have previously isolated a series of temperature-sensitive mutants for cell-proliferation from the BHK21 cell line, derived from the golden hamster. These mutants proliferate at 33.5 degrees C, the permissive temperature, but not at 39.5 degrees C the restrictive temperature. Using DNA-mediated gene transfer, human genes complementing these ts mutants were cloned. At 39.5 degrees C the tsBN250 cell line, a temperature-sensitive mutant of the BHK21 cell line, had a defect in the G1 phase, but not in the S phase. The human gene complementing tsBN250 cells was found to encode histidyl-tRNA synthetase. Indeed, the tsBN250 cell line had a single base change--guanine to adenine at the second position of the 362nd codon of hamster histidyl-tRNA-synthetase, converting arginine to histidine. Following release from serum starvation, cyclin E, but not cyclin D1, was accumulated, while, at 39.5 degrees C, the mRNA of cyclin D1 was normally expressed in tsBN250 cells. A similar inhibition of cyclin D1 accumulation was observed in another ts mutant, tsBN269, which has a single point mutation in lysyl-tRNA synthetase. Overexpression of cyclin D1 enabled tsBN250 cells to enter the S phase. tsBN250 cells have a single point mutation in histidyl tRNA synthetase that causes a loss of histidyl-tRNA synthetase activity which in turn reduces the content of cyclin D1, but not of cyclin E, thereby resulting in G1 arrest.

Transplantation of Genetically Engineered Primary Cells for the Analysis of Gene Function in CNS Development

Transplantation of genetically engineered primary cells into the CNS allows an analysis of gene function that is often not otherwise possible, such as with germ line mutations that result in embryonic lethality or that have pleiotropic effects. We describe the methods and use of this approach for the analysis of gene function during the development of oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the CNS. Primary oligodendrocyte progenitor cells are isolated from the neonatal rat brain, expandedin vitrowith mitogens, and genetically altered by the introduction of transgenes. The development and use of an efficient eukaryotic expression vector for optimal DNA-mediated gene transfer in these progenitor cells is detailed. Transplantation of either wild-type or genetically engineered primary cells into normal and myelin-deficient hosts allows an analysis of the effects of gene manipulations on this cell lineagein vivo.The application of these approaches for the analysis of growth factor receptor function during oligodendrocyte development is described.

A single point mutation of hamster aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase causes apoptosis by deprivation of cognate amino acid residue.

We have isolated a series of temperature-sensitive mutants for cell-proliferation from the BHK21 cell line derived from the golden hamster (Nishimoto & Basilico 1978; Nishimoto et al. 1982). Using these mutants as a recipient of DNA-mediated gene transfer, we have been cloning human genes which complement these ts mutants. Cultures of tsBN269 cells, a temperature-sensitive mutant of the BHK21 cell line, underwent apoptosis at 39.5 degrees C, a nonpermissive temperature. The gene complementing the tsBN269 cells was cloned and found to encode lysyl-tRNA synthetase. Indeed, tsBN269 cells were found to have a single cytosine to a thymine point mutation at the first nucleotide of codon 542 in hamster lysyl-tRNA synthetases. Due to this mutation, the activity of lysyl-tRNA synthetase was reduced--even at 33.5 degrees C, a permissive temperature. Consistent with these findings, while supplementation with lysine permitted tsBN269 cells to grow at a nonpermissive temperature, the deprivation of lysine caused apoptosis in tsBN269 cells, even at 33.5 degrees C. Cycloheximide inhibited the apoptosis caused by lysine starvation at 33.5 degrees C, but not at 39.5 degrees C. We also found that another hamster temperature-sensitive mutant, tsBN250, which is defective in histidyl-tRNA synthetase, entered apoptosis with the deprivation of histidine. Our data suggested that the defect in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase turned on the cascade of apoptosis that was already present in the cells.

Recent advances in DNA-mediated gene transfer of entamoeba histolytica

During the past few years, the introduction of DNA-mediated gene transfer into parasite research has permitted subtle studies on fundamental aspects of parasite biology. In this paper, Egbert Tannich describes the recent breakthrough of successful Entamoeba histolytica transfection, and the subsequent developments in this field.

A role for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the regulation of beta 1 integrin activity by the CD2 antigen.

The rapid and reversible upregulation of the functional activity of integrin receptors on T lymphocytes is a vital step in the adhesive interactions that occur during successful T cell recognition of foreign antigen and transendothelial migration. Although the ligation of several different cell surface receptors, including the antigen-specific CD3/T cell receptor complex, the CD2, CD7, and CD28 antigens, as well as several chemokine receptors, has been shown to rapidly upregulate integrin function, the intracellular signaling events that initiate this increase in adhesion remain poorly defined. In this study, we have used DNA-mediated gene transfer to explore the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K) in the upregulation of beta 1 integrin functional activity mediated by the CD2 antigen. CD2 was expressed in the myelomonocytic cell line HL60, which expresses beta 1 integrins that mediate adhesion to fibronectin and VCAM-1 in an activation-dependent manner. Antibody stimulation of CD2 expressed on HL60 transfectants resulted within minutes in increased beta 1-mediated adhesion to fibronectin and VCAM-1 at levels comparable to that obtained upon stimulation with the phorbol ester PMA. A role for PI 3-K in CD2-mediated increases in beta 1 integrin function is suggested by: (a) the ability of the PI 3-K inhibitor wortmannin to completely inhibit CD2-induced increases in beta 1 integrin activity; (b) the association of PI 3-K with CD2; and (c) induced PI 3-K activity upon CD2 stimulation. The mode of association of PI 3-K with CD2 is not mediated by tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent binding of PI 3-K via SH2 domains, since: (a) PI 3-K is associated with CD2 in unstimulated cells; (b) CD2 stimulation fails to increase the amount of associated PI 3-K; and (c) the CD2 cytoplasmic domain lacks tyrosine residues. A role for both protein kinase C and cytoskeletal rearrangements in CD2 regulation of integrin activity is also suggested, since a PKC inhibitor partially inhibits CD2-induced increases in beta 1 integrin function, and CD2 stimulation increases F-actin content in a wortmannin-sensitive manner. Analysis of human peripheral T cells indicated that CD2 stimulation also results in PI 3-K-dependent upregulation of beta 1 integrin activity. Thus, these results demonstrate that CD2 can function as an adhesion regulator in the absence of expression of the CD3/T cell receptor complex; and directly implicate PI 3-K as a critical intracellular mediator involved in the regulation of beta 1 integrin functional activity by the CD2 antigen.

Liposome-encapsulated DNA-mediated gene transfer and synthesis of human factor IX in mice

Hemophilia B is an X-chromosome-linked recessive disorder that is caused by a deficiency of biologically active clotting factor IX (FIX). In this work, liposomes (Lip) were used for non-viral, in vivo gene transfer of the human FIX gene into mouse organs. Plasmid DNA, containing the human FIX cDNA under the control of the Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) long terminal repeat (LTR), was encapsulated in 1-2-μm multilamellar Lip composed of egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC). The percentage of Lip-associated DNA was 47%, and 72% of the Lip DNA was protected from DNase I digestion. The Lip-encapsulated (Len) DNA was injected intravenously into Balb/c mice, and at various times post-injection, various tissues were examined for the presence of the exogenous DNA. Plasmid DNA was detected by Southern blot analysis mainly in the liver and spleen, but small amounts were also detected in the lungs, heart and kidneys. The plasmid DNA was retained in mouse liver cells for at least 7 days post-injection, and remained in an episomal state. The levels of human FIX protein in the mouse plasma were 190–650 pg per ml for 2 to 7 days post-injection. Treatment of mice with chloroquine (Cq) and colchicine (Cc) prior to Lip injection significantly increased the amount of plasmid DNA found in the liver cells, as well as the level of human FIX in the plasma. These results demonstrate the potential use of Len DNA for gene transfer into liver and spleen, and for gene therapy of inherited and acquired disorders.

Transfection of Na,K-ATPase alpha-subunit: regulation of enzyme abundance.

DNA-mediated gene transfer into mammalian cells was used as a model for investigating the regulation of Na,K-ATPase abundance. Complementary DNA encoding the catalytic alpha 1-submit from rat was introduced into ouabain-sensitive monkey kidney cells, and transfectants were selected by their ability to survive in normally cytotoxic concentrations of ouabain. The overall specific activity of Na,K-ATPase in the membranes of transfectants was not significantly different from that in control cells, suggesting that there was a partial replacement, rather than an addition, of introduced alpha 1 for the endogenous subunit in the functional enzyme. Immunoblotting with specific antibodies confirmed the similarities in overall alpha abundance between control and transfected cells. Hybridization analysis of total RNA, however, revealed a higher abundance of the mRNA encoding total alpha 1 in transfected cells. The results suggest that endogenous and introduced alpha-submit compete for a limited amount of beta, with rapid degradation of unassembled subunits.

Cancer Gene Therapy Using Plasmid DNA: Safety Evaluation in Rodents and Non-Human Primates

To evaluate the safety of a plasmid DNA-lipid complex, a series of good laboratory practice (GLP) safety studies were conducted with VCL-1005, a plasmid DNA expression vector containing both the human class I MHC HLA-B7 heavy-chain and the beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m) light-chain genes formulated with the cationic lipid, DMRIE/DOPE. In mice, the repeated intravenous injection of VCL-1005 at plasmid DNA doses of 0.1, 1.0, or 10 micrograms for 14 days had only incidental effects on clinical chemistry and hematology, and did not result in any organ pathology. Repeated intrahepatic injections of VCL-1005 in mice did not result in significant liver histopathology or significant alterations in liver enzymes. In cynomolgus monkeys, the repeated intravenous administration of VCL-1005 at a cumulative dose of 720 micrograms of DNA had no effects on clinical chemistry, hematology, or organ pathology. Thus, systemic administration of a plasmid DNA expression vector containing the coding sequence for a foreign MHC class I molecule did not result in significant toxicity or a pathological immune response in animals. These results suggest that the direct transfer of VCL-1005, a plasmid DNA-lipid complex, could be used for the safe in vivo delivery of recombinant DNA for a cancer gene therapy trial.

Aspects of cellular physiology that influence DNA-mediate gene transfer in NIH3T3 cells.

Cellular physiology has a significant influence on the efficiency of various gene transfer procedures, as shown by the fact that transfection efficiency varies dramatically among different cell lines. However, the aspects of cellular physiology which influence the transfection process remain substantially uncharacterized. In this study, NIH3T3 cells were treated with inhibitors of protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, and RNA synthesis to determine the importance of these processes in the calcium-phosphate transfection process. The results suggest that protein synthesis during the first 4 h after DNA addition enhances transfection. In contrast, inhibition of RNA synthesis has no effect on transfection during the first 24 h post-DNA addition. The DNA synthesis inhibitor results remain inconclusive due to a secondary inhibition of an unknown cellular factor. Secondly, agents that destabilize microtubules, microfilaments, and the golgi apparatus were used to determine whether these elements play a role in the transfection process. The results suggest that microtubules are not involved in the transfection process, microfilaments are important but not necessary for the transfection process, and a functional golgi apparatus is essential early in the transfection process. These studies provide a foundation from which further investigations into the cellular processes involved in the uptake and expression of exogenous DNA can proceed.

Acquisition of immunogenicity by AKR leukemic cells following DNA-mediated gene transfer is associated with the reduction of constitutive reactive superoxide radicals.

We have employed the DNA-mediated gene transfer method to introduce the allogenic major-histocompatibility-complex(MHC)-class-I gene H-2Kb into the K36.16 tumor cells, H-2k, in order to generate tumor-specific immunity. The acquisition of immunogenicity by the H-2Kb-transformed clones following gene transfer is associated with the reduction of constitutive reactive superoxide radicals. When the levels of cellular superoxide for the H-2Kb-positive immunogenic clones were determined, they were significantly lower (30 to 60%) than that of the parental K36.16 tumor cells. This reduction of superoxide in the H-2Kb-transformed cells was associated with a significant increase in the level of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) and GPX I, together with a reduction in the DNA-binding form of the NF-kappa B transcription factor. The K36.16 parental tumor cells were also found to be relatively more resistant to the cytotoxic effects of hydrogen peroxide in vitro. To further support the role of superoxide anion radicals in tumorigenesis, in vivo depletion of glutathione promoted the tumorigenicity of the H-2Kb-transformed clones in (AKR/J x C57BL/6/J) F1 mice, whereas SOD was able to reduce their tumorigenicity. In addition, the presence of R-sulfoxine (BSO) in spleen-cell cultures in vitro abolished the ability of the immune lymphocytes to develop into tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). These observations support the concept that oxidative processes in tumor cells may have a strong influence on the host response against tumors.

A simple and efficient procedure for generating stable expression libraries by cDNA cloning in a retroviral vector.

cDNA expression cloning is a powerful method for the rescue and identification of genes that are able to confer a readily identifiable phenotype on specific cell types. Retroviral vectors provide several advantages over DNA-mediated gene transfer for the introduction of expression libraries into eukaryotic cells since they can be used to express genes in a wide range of cell types, including those that form important experimental systems such as the hemopoietic system. We describe here a straightforward and efficient method for generating expression libraries by using a murine retroviral vector. Essentially, the method involves the directional cloning of cDNA into the retroviral vector and the generation of pools of stable ecotropic virus producing cells from this DNA. The cells so derived constitute the library, and the virus they yield is used to infect appropriate target cells for subsequent functional screening. We have demonstrated the feasibility of this procedure by constructing several large retroviral libraries (10(5) to 10(6) individual clones) and then using one of these libraries to isolate cDNAs for interleukin-3 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on the basis of the ability of these factors to confer autonomous growth on the factor-dependent hemopoietic cell line FDC-P1. Moreover, the frequency at which these factor-independent clones were isolated approximated the frequency at which they were represented in the original plasmid library. These results suggest that expression cloning with retroviruses is a practical and efficient procedure and should be a valuable method for the isolation of important regulatory genes.

A simple and efficient procedure for generating stable expression libraries by cDNA cloning in a retroviral vector.

cDNA expression cloning is a powerful method for the rescue and identification of genes that are able to confer a readily identifiable phenotype on specific cell types. Retroviral vectors provide several advantages over DNA-mediated gene transfer for the introduction of expression libraries into eukaryotic cells since they can be used to express genes in a wide range of cell types, including those that form important experimental systems such as the hemopoietic system. We describe here a straightforward and efficient method for generating expression libraries by using a murine retroviral vector. Essentially, the method involves the directional cloning of cDNA into the retroviral vector and the generation of pools of stable ecotropic virus producing cells from this DNA. The cells so derived constitute the library, and the virus they yield is used to infect appropriate target cells for subsequent functional screening. We have demonstrated the feasibility of this procedure by constructing several large retroviral libraries (10(5) to 10(6) individual clones) and then using one of these libraries to isolate cDNAs for interleukin-3 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on the basis of the ability of these factors to confer autonomous growth on the factor-dependent hemopoietic cell line FDC-P1. Moreover, the frequency at which these factor-independent clones were isolated approximated the frequency at which they were represented in the original plasmid library. These results suggest that expression cloning with retroviruses is a practical and efficient procedure and should be a valuable method for the isolation of important regulatory genes.