Liposome Method Research Articles

Cell Engineering: Introduction of macromolecules into living cells

Effective introduction of biomaterials into living cells is necessary for the full utilization of substances prepared by gene technology for somatic cells. Since 1974, we have made efforts to develop new techniques for macromolecule introduction into living cells on the basis of cell fusion phenomenon by HVJ(Sendai virus). The first step of the cell fusion is the adsorption of virus to the receptors on cell surfaces. On incubation at 37°C, the second step starts, the disarrangement of the cell membrane structure by the viral spikes. During the period, macromolecules diffuse through the cell membranes. The tkird step is the fusion of viral envelopes with the cell membranes. The fourth step is the cell to cell fusion. We have established 3 kinds of the introduction techniques as follows: 1) Introduction of macromolecules utilizing the second step of cell fusion reaction. 2) Liposome method. This method is a technique utilizing the third step. 3) Erythrocyte-ghost fusion method. This is the technique utilizing the fourth step. By these techniques, we can intoduce proteins, RNAs, and DNAs into cultured manmal cells.