This work was supported by a pilot project award through P30DK079307 (to M.G.D.), NIH grant R01DK119183 (to G.A. and M.D.C.), NIH grant R01DK129473 (to G.A.), an American Urology Association Career Development award and a Winters Foundation grant (to N.M.), by the Cell Physiology and Model Organisms Kidney Imaging Cores of the Pittsburgh Center for Kidney Research (P30DK079307), and by S10OD028596 (to G.A.), which funded the purchase of the confocal system used to capture some of the images presented in this manuscript.

Experiments involving the generation of adenoviruses, which requires BSL2 certification, were performed under approval from the University of Pittsburgh Environmental Health and Safety offices and the Institutional Biosafety Committee. All animal experiments performed, including adenoviral transduction (which requires ABSL2 certification), were done in accordance with relevant guidelines/regulations of the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the Animal Welfare Act, and under the ...

<ol>
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C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Incorporation+of+cytoplasmic+vesicles+into+apical+membrane+of+mammalian+urinary+bladder+epthelium.">Incorporation of cytoplasmic vesicles into apical membrane of mammalian urinary bladder epthelium.</a> Nature (London). 297 (5868), 685-688 (1982).</li><li>Eaton, A. F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Expansion+and+contraction+of+the+umbrella+cell+apical+junctional+ring+in+response+to+bladder+filling+and+voiding.">Expansion and contraction of the umbrella cell apical junctional ring in response to bladder filling and voiding.</a> Molecular Biology of the Cell. 30 (16), 2037-2052 (2019).</li><li>Yu, W., Khandelwal, P., Apodaca, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Distinct+apical+and+basolateral+membrane+requirements+for+stretch-induced+membrane+traffic+at+the+apical+surface+of+bladder+umbrella+cells.">Distinct apical and basolateral membrane requirements for stretch-induced membrane traffic at the apical surface of bladder umbrella cells.</a> Molecular Biology of the Cell. 20 (1), 282-295 (2009).</li><li>Birder, L., Andersson, K. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Urothelial+signaling.">Urothelial signaling.</a> Physiological Reviews. 93 (2), 653-680 (2013).</li><li>Birder, L. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Urinary+bladder,+cystitis+and+nerve/urothelial+interactions.">Urinary bladder, cystitis and nerve/urothelial interactions.</a> Autonomic Neuroscience. 182, 89-94 (2014).</li><li>Apodaca, G., Balestreire, E., Birder, L. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+uroepithelial-associated+sensory+web.">The uroepithelial-associated sensory web.</a> Kidney International. 72 (9), 1057-1064 (2007).</li><li>Dalghi, M. G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Functional+roles+for+PIEZO1+and+PIEZO2+in+urothelial+mechanotransduction+and+lower+urinary+tract+interoception.">Functional roles for PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 in urothelial mechanotransduction and lower urinary tract interoception.</a> Journal of Clinical Investigation Insight. 6 (19), 152984 (2021).</li><li>Montalbetti, N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Increased+urothelial+paracellular+transport+promotes+cystitis.">Increased urothelial paracellular transport promotes cystitis.</a> American Journal of Physiology: Renal Physiology. 309 (12), 1070-1081 (2015).</li><li>Keay, S. K., Birder, L. A., Chai, T. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evidence+for+bladder+urothelial+pathophysiology+in+functional+bladder+disorders.">Evidence for bladder urothelial pathophysiology in functional bladder disorders.</a> BioMed Research International. 2014, 865463 (2014).</li><li>Friedel, R. H., Wurst, W., Wefers, B., Kuhn, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Generating+conditional+knockout+mice.">Generating conditional knockout mice.</a> Methods in Molecular Biology. 693, 205-231 (2011).</li><li>Kashyap, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Down-regulation+of+nerve+growth+factor+expression+in+the+bladder+by+antisense+oligonucleotides+as+new+treatment+for+overactive+bladder.">Down-regulation of nerve growth factor expression in the bladder by antisense oligonucleotides as new treatment for overactive bladder.</a> Journal of Urology. 190 (2), 757-764 (2013).</li><li>Bolenz, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cellular+uptake+and+ex+vivo+urothelial+penetration+by+oligodeoxynucleotides+for+optimizing+treatment+of+transitional+cell+carcinoma.">Cellular uptake and ex vivo urothelial penetration by oligodeoxynucleotides for optimizing treatment of transitional cell carcinoma.</a> Analytical and Quantitative Cytology and Histology. 30 (5), 265-273 (2008).</li><li>Tyagi, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intravesical+antisense+therapy+for+cystitis+using+TAT-peptide+nucleic+acid+conjugates.">Intravesical antisense therapy for cystitis using TAT-peptide nucleic acid conjugates.</a> Molecular Pharmaceutics. 3 (4), 398-406 (2006).</li><li>Sadoff, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Interim+results+of+a+phase+1-2a+trial+of+Ad26.COV2.S+Covid-19+vaccine.">Interim results of a phase 1-2a trial of Ad26.COV2.S Covid-19 vaccine.</a> New England Journal of Medicine. 384 (19), 1824-1835 (2021).</li><li>Lee, C. 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G., Apodaca, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Compensatory+endocytosis+in+bladder+umbrella+cells+occurs+through+an+integrin-regulated+and+RhoA-+and+dynamin-dependent+pathway.">Compensatory endocytosis in bladder umbrella cells occurs through an integrin-regulated and RhoA- and dynamin-dependent pathway.</a> The European Molecular Biology Organization journal. 29 (12), 1961-1975 (2010).</li><li>Khandelwal, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+Rab11a-Rab8a-Myo5B+network+promotes+stretch-regulated+exocytosis+in+bladder+umbrella+cells.">A Rab11a-Rab8a-Myo5B network promotes stretch-regulated exocytosis in bladder umbrella cells.</a> Molecular Biology of the Cell. 24 (7), 1007-1019 (2013).</li><li>Prakasam, H. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A1+adenosine+receptor-stimulated+exocytosis+in+bladder+umbrella+cells+requires+phosphorylation+of+ADAM17+Ser811+and+EGF+receptor+transactivation.">A1 adenosine receptor-stimulated exocytosis in bladder umbrella cells requires phosphorylation of ADAM17 Ser811 and EGF receptor transactivation.</a> Molecular Biology of the Cell. 25 (24), 3798-3812 (2014).</li><li>Gallo, L. I., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=RAB27B+requirement+for+stretch-induced+exocytosis+in+bladder+umbrella+cells.">RAB27B requirement for stretch-induced exocytosis in bladder umbrella cells.</a> American Journal of Physiology Cell Physiology. 314 (3), 349-365 (2018).</li><li>Amasheh, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Claudin-2+expression+induces+cation-selective+channels+in+tight+junctions+of+epithelial+cells.">Claudin-2 expression induces cation-selective channels in tight junctions of epithelial cells.</a> Journal of Cell Science. 115, 4969-4976 (2002).</li><li>Yu, A. 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While Ramesh et al. were focused on developing strategies to use adenoviral transduction in the treatment of bladder cancer18, more recent reports have demonstrated the utility of these techniques in studying normal urothelial biology/physiology and pathophysiology10,18,19,20,21. The important features of this approach include the follo...

The urothelium is the specialized epithelium that lines the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and proximal urethra1. It comprises three strata: a layer of highly differentiated and polarized often bi-nucleate umbrella cells, whose apical surfaces are bathed in urine; an intermediate cell layer with a population of bi-nucleate transit-amplifying cells that can give rise to superficial umbrella cells in response to their acute loss; and a single layer of basal cells, a subset of which function as stem cells that can regenerate the entirety of the urothelium in response to chronic injury. Umbrella cells are chiefly responsible for forming the high-resistance urothelial barrier, components of which include an apical membrane (rich in cholesterol and cerebrosides) with low permeability to water and solutes, and a high-resistance apical junctional complex (comprised of tight junctions, adherens junctions, desmosomes, and an associated actomyosin ring)1. Both the apical surface of the umbrella cell and its junctional ring expand during bladder filling and return to their pre-filled state rapidly after voiding1,2,3,4,5. In addition to its role in barrier function, the urothelium is also hypothesized to have sensory and transducer functions that allow it to sense changes in the extracellular milieu (e.g., stretch) and transmit this information via release of mediators (including ATP, adenosine, and acetylcholine) to underlying tissues, including suburothelial afferent nerve processes6,7,8. Recent evidence of this role is found in mice lacking urothelial expression of both Piezo1 and Piezo2, which results in altered voiding function9. Additionally, rats overexpressing the tight-junction pore-forming protein CLDN2 in the umbrella cell layer develop inflammation and pain analogous to that seen in patients with interstitial cystitis10. It is hypothesized that disruption of urothelial sensory/transducer or barrier function may contribute to several bladder disorders6,11.
A better understanding of the biology of the urothelium in normal and disease states depends on the availability of tools that will allow investigators to readily downregulate endogenous gene expression or allow for the expression of transgenes in the native tissue. While one approach to downregulate gene expression is to generate conditional urothelial knockout mice, this approach depends on the availability of mice with floxed alleles, is labor intensive, and can take months to years to complete12. Not surprisingly then, investigators have developed techniques to transfect or transduce the urothelium, which can lead to results on a shorter time scale. Published methods for transfection include the use of cationic lipids13, anti-sense phosphorothioated oligodeoxynucleotides14, or antisense nucleic acids tethered to the HIV TAT protein penetrating 11-mer peptide15. However, the focus of this protocol is on the use of adenoviral-mediated transduction, a well-studied methodology that is efficient at gene delivery to a broad range of cells, has been tested in numerous clinical trials, and most recently was used to deliver the cDNA encoding the COVID-19 capsid protein to recipients of one variant of the COVID-19 vaccine16,17. For a more thorough description of the adenovirus life cycle, adenoviral vectors, and clinical applications of adenoviruses, the reader is directed to reference17.
An important milestone in the use of adenoviruses to transduce the urothelium, was a report by Ramesh et al. that showed short pretreatments with detergents, including N-dodecyl-&#946;-D-maltoside (DDM) dramatically enhanced transduction of the urothelium by an adenovirus encoding &#946;-galactosidase18. Using this proof-of-principle study as a guide, adenoviral-mediated transduction of the urothelium has now been used to express a variety of proteins, including Rab-family GTPases, guanine-nucleotide exchange factors, myosin motor fragments, pore-forming tight junction-associated claudins, and ADAM1710,19,20,21,22. The same approach was adapted to express small interfering RNAs (siRNA), the effects of which were rescued by co-expressing siRNA-resistant variants of the transgene22. The protocol described here includes general methods to generate large amounts of highly concentrated adenovirus, a requirement for these techniques, as well adaptations of the methods of Ramesh et al.18 to express transgenes in the urothelium with high efficiency.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>10 mL pipette</td>
			<td>Corning Costar (Millipore Sigma)</td>
			<td>CLS4488</td>
			<td>sterile, serological pipette, individually wrapped</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>12 mL ultracentrifuge tube</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td>06-752</td>
			<td>PET thinwall ultracentrifuge tube</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15 mL conical centrifuge tube</td>
			<td>Falcon (Corning)</td>
			<td>352097</td>
			<td>sterile</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18 G needle</td>
			<td>BD&#160;</td>
			<td>305196</td>
			<td>18 G x 1.5 in needle</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>20 mL pipette</td>
			<td>Corning Costar (Millipore Sigma)</td>
			<td>CLS4489</td>
			<td>sterile, serological pipette, individually wrapped</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>50 mL conical centrifuge tube</td>
			<td>Falcon (Corning)</td>
			<td>352098</td>
			<td>sterile</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5 mL pipette</td>
			<td>Corning Costar (Millipore Sigma)</td>
			<td>CLS4487</td>
			<td>sterile, serological pipette, individually wrapped</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cavicide</td>
			<td>Henry Schein</td>
			<td>6400012</td>
			<td>Anti-viral solution</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cell culture dish - 15 cm</td>
			<td>Falcon (Corning)</td>
			<td>353025</td>
			<td>sterile, tissue-culture treated&#160; (150 mm x 25 mm dish)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cell scraper</td>
			<td>Sarstedt</td>
			<td>893.1832</td>
			<td>handle length 24 cm, blade length 1.7 cm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CsCl</td>
			<td>Millipore Sigma</td>
			<td>C-4306</td>
			<td>Molecular Biology grade &#8805; 98%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DMEM culture medium (high glucose)</td>
			<td>Gibco (ThermoFisher)</td>
			<td>11965092</td>
			<td>with 4.5 g/L glucose + L-glutamine + phenol red</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>EDTA</td>
			<td>Millipore Sigma</td>
			<td>EDS</td>
			<td>Bioiultra grade &#8805; 99%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fetal bovine serum&#160;</td>
			<td>Hyclone (Cytiva)</td>
			<td>SH30070.03</td>
			<td>defined serum</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass pipette</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>13-678-20A</td>
			<td>5.75 in glass pipette, autoclaved</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glycerol</td>
			<td>Millipore Sigma</td>
			<td>G-5516</td>
			<td>Molecular Biology grade &#8805; 99%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HEK293 cells</td>
			<td>ATCC</td>
			<td>CRL-3216</td>
			<td>HEK293T cells are a variant of HEK293 cells that express the SV40 large T-antigen</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isoflurane</td>
			<td>Covetrus</td>
			<td>29405</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IV catheter - mouse</td>
			<td>Smith Medical Jelco</td>
			<td>3063</td>
			<td>24 G x 3/4 in Safety IV catheter&#160; radiopaque</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IV catheter - rat</td>
			<td>Smith Medical Jelco</td>
			<td>3060</td>
			<td>22 G x 1 in Safety IV catheter radiopaque</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KCl</td>
			<td>Millipore Sigma</td>
			<td>P-9541</td>
			<td>Molecular Biology grade &#8805; 99%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KH2PO4</td>
			<td>Millipore Sigma</td>
			<td>P5655</td>
			<td>Cell culture grade&#160; &#8805; 99%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Na2HPO4&#8226;7 H2O</td>
			<td>Millipore Sigma</td>
			<td>431478</td>
			<td>&#160;&#8805; 99.99%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaCl</td>
			<td>Millipore Sigma</td>
			<td>S3014</td>
			<td>Molecular Biology grade &#8805; 99%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>N-dodecyl-&#946;-D-maltoside&#160;</td>
			<td>Millipore Sigma</td>
			<td>D4641</td>
			<td>&#160;&#8805; 98%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nose cone for multiple animals</td>
			<td>custom designed</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>commercial options include one from Parkland Scientific (RES3200)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PD-10 column&#160;</td>
			<td>GE Healthcare</td>
			<td>17-085-01</td>
			<td>Prepacked columns filled ith Sephadex G-25M</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Penicillin/streptomycin antibiotic (100x)</td>
			<td>Gibco (ThermoFisher)</td>
			<td>15070063</td>
			<td>100x concentrated solution</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Spectrophotometer</td>
			<td>Eppendorf&#160;</td>
			<td>BioPhotometer</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stand and clamp</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>14-679Q and 05-769-8FQ</td>
			<td>available from numerous suppliers</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterile filter unit</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific (Nalgene)</td>
			<td>09-740-65B</td>
			<td>0.2 &#181;m rapid-flow filter unit (150 mL)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterile filter unit 0.2 &#181;m (syringe)</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific&#160;</td>
			<td>SLGV004SL</td>
			<td>Millipore Sigma Milex 0.22 &#181;m filter unit that attaches to syringe</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Super speed centrifuge</td>
			<td>Eppendorf&#160;</td>
			<td>5810R</td>
			<td>with Eppendorf F34-6-38 fixed angle rotor (12,000 rpm)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe (1 mL)</td>
			<td>BD&#160;</td>
			<td>309628</td>
			<td>1-mL syringe Luer-lok tip - sterile</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe (3 mL)</td>
			<td>BD&#160;</td>
			<td>309656</td>
			<td>3-mL syringe slip tip - sterile</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Table-top centrifuge (low speed)</td>
			<td>Eppendorf&#160;</td>
			<td>5702</td>
			<td>with swinging bucket rotor</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Transfer pipettes</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>13-711-9AM</td>
			<td>polyethylene 3.4 mL transfer pipette</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tris-base</td>
			<td>Millipore Sigma</td>
			<td>648310-M</td>
			<td>Molecular Biology grade&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TrypLE select protease solution</td>
			<td>Gibco (ThermoFisher)</td>
			<td>12604013</td>
			<td>TrypLE express enzyme (1x), no phenol red</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultracentrifuge</td>
			<td>Beckman Coulter</td>
			<td>Optima L-80 XP</td>
			<td>with Beckman SW41 rotor (41,000 rpm)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vaporizer&#160;</td>
			<td>General Anesthetic Services, Inc.</td>
			<td>Tec 3</td>
			<td>Isoflurane vaporizer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vortex Mixer</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>10153-838</td>
			<td>analog vortex mixer</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

expression of transgenes in native bladder urothelium using adenovirus-mediated transduction

In addition to forming a high-resistance barrier, the urothelium lining the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and proximal urethra is hypothesized to sense and transmit information about its environment to the underlying tissues, promoting voiding function and behavior. Disruption of the urothelial barrier, or its sensory/transducer function, can lead to disease. Studying these complex events is hampered by lack of simple strategies to alter gene and protein expression in the urothelium. Methods are described here that allow investigators to generate large amounts of high-titer adenovirus, which can then be used to transduce rodent urothelium with high efficiency, and in a relatively straightforward manner. Both cDNAs and small interfering RNAs can be expressed using adenoviral transduction, and the impact of transgene expression on urothelial function can be assessed 12 h to several days later. These methods have broad applicability to studies of normal and abnormal urothelial biology using mouse or rat animal models.

Virus preparation 
An example of virus purification by density gradient centrifugation is shown in Figure 1A. The light pink band, found at the interface of the loaded cellular material and the 1.25 g/mL CsCl layer, is primarily composed of disrupted cells and their debris (see magenta arrow in Figure 1A). It derives its pinkish color from the small amount of culture medium that is carried over from step 1.5 in the protocol. The virus parti...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Expression of Transgenes in Native Bladder Urothelium Using Adenovirus-Mediated Transduction at JoVE.com

Expression of Transgenes in Native Bladder Urothelium Using Adenovirus-Mediated Transduction

Methods are described for the generation of large amounts of recombinant adenoviruses, which can then be used to transduce the native rodent urothelium allowing for expression of transgenes or downregulation of endogenous gene products.

In addition to forming a high-resistance barrier, the urothelium lining the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and proximal urethra is hypothesized to sense ...

This protocol describes methods that allow investigators to express CDNAs or SIRNAs in the native bladder urothelium. The main advantages of this technique are its relative simplicity, the ability to express cDNAs, siRNAs in the urothelium with high efficiency, and within a relatively short period of time. The hardest part of this technique is the catheterization.However, the overall technique is relatively easy to master once learned. Demonstrating the procedure will be Giovanni Ruiz, a Research Specialist IV in my laboratory. To begin place the anesthetized mouse on a heating pad next to the nose cones.Maintain the animal under anesthesia for the duration of the protocol. Confirm the mouse is completely anesthetized with a toe pinch. To prevent introducing air into the bladder, fill the plastic catheter portion of an IV catheter and associated hub with sterile PBS using a sterile transfer pipette or syringe.With the animal in the supine position swab the external urethral meatus with 70%alcohol. Then gently grab the tissue forming the external urethral meatus and extend it vertically away from the animal using fine forceps. Insert the sterile catheter into the external meatus.Using the other hand carefully insert the catheter vertically about three to four millimeters into the urethral meatus. Then lower the catheter inserted into the external meatus toward the animal's tail, which eases its entry into the portion of the urethra that passes below the pubic bone and ultimately into the bladder. Allow the urine in the bladder to leak out.Remove any residual urine by performing Crede's maneuver by massaging and gently pressing down on the bladder bump in the lower abdominal area. To make the urothelium receptive to transduction, wash the mouse or rat bladder by attaching a sterile one milliliter syringe filled with PBS to the catheter hub. Inject 100 microliters of sterile PBS into the mouse bladder.After detaching the syringe from the catheter fitting, allow the PBS to drain. Instill 100 microliters of 0.1%N-dodecyl-beta-D-maltoside dissolved in PBS and 0.2 micrometer filter sterilized into the mouse bladder using a sterile one-milliliter syringe. Retain the N-dodecyl-beta-D-maltoside in the bladder for 10 minutes by leaving the syringe in place.Remove the N-dodecyl-beta-D-maltoside from the bladder by detaching the syringe and allowing it to drain out. To introduce the virus into the bladder attach a sterile one-milliliter syringe to the catheter hub and instill 5, 000, 000 to 100, 000, 000 IVP of adenovirus diluted in 100 microliters of sterile PBS for mice, or 450 microliters for rats into the bladder. After 30 minutes, detach the syringe and allow the virus solution to evacuate the bladder onto a disposable pad.Blot any residual virus solution with an absorbent wipe while discarding the pad and wipe in biohazardous waste. In order to allow the animal to recover, cease the flow of isoflurane. Allow the animal to recover and be fully mobile before returning it to its cage, particularly if the animals are group-housed.Analyze the effects of transgene expression 12 to 72 hours post-treatment using methods such as mRNA in situ hybridization, Western blot, or immunofluorescence. Western blot analysis of urothelial lysates revealed V5-tagged human growth hormone expression in the urothelium of transduced bladders, but not in untransduced ones. The expression was also confirmed by immunofluorescence using antibodies that recognized human growth hormone, or the V5 epitope tag.Western blot analysis confirmed the expression of Claudin-2 in rats transduced with adenovirus, but not in those transduced with a controlled GFP-encoding virus. Immunofluorescence analysis further confirmed exogenous Claudin-2 expression in urothelial umbrella cells transduced with virus-encoding Claudin-2 cDNA. Detection of exogenous Claudin-2 in Tight Junction Protein 1 by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy of whole mounted or cross-sectioned urothelium revealed the presence of Tight Junction and intracellular accumulations of Claudin-2 in the cell cytoplasm.The image field shows that counting the number of transduced umbrella cells reveals an efficiency that approaches 95%and in the entirety of the bladder wall only the urothelium is transduced, and no other tissue is targeted by the instilled adenovirus. The catheterization is critical for the protocol to work as intended. This technique allows investigators to study normal urothelial biology, as well as to understand conditions where protein overexpression, or underexpression, leads to disease.

expression-transgenes-native-bladder-urothelium-using-adenovirus

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

1.2K vistas.  University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Este protocolo describe métodos que permiten a los investigadores expresar CDNA o SIRNA en el urotelio de la vejiga nativa. Las principales ventajas de esta técnica son su relativa simplicidad, la capacidad de expresar ADNc, ARNip en el urotelio con alta eficiencia y en un período de tiempo relativamente corto. La parte más difícil de esta técnica es el cateterismo.Sin embargo, la técnica general es relativamente fácil de dominar una vez aprendida. Demostrando el procedimiento ...