Genetic Modification and Recombination of Salivary Gland Organ CulturesSharon J. Sequeira *1, Elise M. Gervais *1, Shayoni Ray 1, Melinda Larsen 1
1Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, SUNY
A technique to genetically manipulate epithelial cells within whole ex vivo cultured embryonic mouse submandibular glands (SMGs) using viral gene transfer is described. This method takes advantage of the innate ability of SMG epithelium and mesenchyme to spontaneously recombine after separation and infection of epithelial rudiments with adenoviral vectors.