Name: hydrodynamic renal pelvis injection for non-viral expression of proteins in the kidney
Uploaded: 2018-01-08T12:30:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Hydrodynamic Renal Pelvis Injection for Non-viral Expression of Proteins in the Kidney at JoVE.com

A Career Development Award from the Department of Veterans Affairs [BX002797] supported L.E.W. and the National Institutes of Health [R01-DK095867] and American Heart Association [15GRNT25700209] supported J.C. The National Institutes of Health [DK093660], Department of Veterans Affairs [BX002190], and the Vanderbilt Center for Kidney Disease supported M.H.W. This material is the result of work supported with resources and use of facilities at the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System.

All methods described here have been approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) of Baylor College of Medicine and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
1. Prepare the DNA solution for injection
<ol>
	<li>Select the plasmid(s) to express the transgene(s) carefully to maximize the desirable characteristics to improve transfection efficiency and transgene expression. 
	NOTE: Hydrodynamic renal pelvis injection of plasmids to express the fluorescent marker TdTomat...

<ol>
	<li>Liu, F., Song, Y., Liu, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hydrodynamics-based+transfection+in+animals+by+systemic+administration+of+plasmid+DNA.">Hydrodynamics-based transfection in animals by systemic administration of plasmid DNA.</a> Gene Ther. 6 (7), 1258-1266 (1999).</li><li>Zhang, G., Budker, V., Wolff, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=High+levels+of+foreign+gene+expression+in+hepatocytes+after+tail+vein+injections+of+naked+plasmid+DNA.">High levels of foreign gene expression in hepatocytes after tail vein injections of naked plasmid DNA.</a> Human Gene Therapy. 10, 1735-1737 (1999).</li><li>Fumoto, S., Nishimura, K., Nishida, K., Kawakami, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Three-Dimensional+Imaging+of+the+Intracellular+Fate+of+Plasmid+DNA+and+Transgene+Expression:+ZsGreen1+and+Tissue+Clearing+Method+CUBIC+Are+an+Optimal+Combination+for+Multicolor+Deep+Imaging+in+Murine+Tissues.">Three-Dimensional Imaging of the Intracellular Fate of Plasmid DNA and Transgene Expression: ZsGreen1 and Tissue Clearing Method CUBIC Are an Optimal Combination for Multicolor Deep Imaging in Murine Tissues.</a> PLoS One. 11 (1), e0148233 (2016).</li><li>Yoshino, H., Hashizume, K., Kobayashi, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Naked+plasmid+DNA+transfer+to+the+porcine+liver+using+rapid+injection+with+large+volume.">Naked plasmid DNA transfer to the porcine liver using rapid injection with large volume.</a> Gene Ther. 13 (24), 1696-1702 (2006).</li><li>Kamimura, K., Suda, T., Xu, W., Zhang, G., Liu, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Image-guided,+lobe-specific+hydrodynamic+gene+delivery+to+swine+liver.">Image-guided, lobe-specific hydrodynamic gene delivery to swine liver.</a> Mol Ther. 17 (3), 491-499 (2009).</li><li>Kamimura, K., Zhang, G., Liu, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Image-guided,intravascular+hydrodynamic+gene+delivery+to+skeletal+muscle+in+pigs.">Image-guided,intravascular hydrodynamic gene delivery to skeletal muscle in pigs.</a> Mol Ther. 18 (1), 93-100 (2010).</li><li>Suda, T., Liu, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hydrodynamic+gene+delivery:+its+principles+and+applications.">Hydrodynamic gene delivery: its principles and applications.</a> Mol.Ther. 15 (12), 2063-2069 (2007).</li><li>Alino, S. 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=Naked+DNA+delivery+to+whole+pig+cardiac+tissue+by+coronary+sinus+retrograde+injection+employing+non-invasive+catheterization.">Naked DNA delivery to whole pig cardiac tissue by coronary sinus retrograde injection employing non-invasive catheterization.</a> J Gene Med. 12 (11), 920-926 (2010).</li><li>Suda, T., Gao, X., Stolz, D. B., Liu, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Structural+impact+of+hydrodynamic+injection+on+mouse+liver.">Structural impact of hydrodynamic injection on mouse liver.</a> Gene Ther. 14 (2), 129-137 (2007).</li><li>Skrypnyk, N. I., Harris, R. C., de Caestecker, M. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ischemia-reperfusion+model+of+acute+kidney+injury+and+post+injury+fibrosis+in+mice.">Ischemia-reperfusion model of acute kidney injury and post injury fibrosis in mice.</a> J Vis Exp. (78), (2013).</li><li>Woodard, L. E., 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=Kidney-specific+transposon-mediated+gene+transfer+in+vivo.">Kidney-specific transposon-mediated gene transfer in vivo.</a> Sci Rep. 7, 44904 (2017).</li><li>Liang, A., 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=Loss+of+glutathione+S-transferase+A4+accelerates+obstruction-induced+tubule+damage+and+renal+fibrosis.">Loss of glutathione S-transferase A4 accelerates obstruction-induced tubule damage and renal fibrosis.</a> Journal of Pathology. 228 (4), 448-458 (2012).</li><li>Liang, 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=Protective+role+of+insulin-like+growth+factor-1+receptor+in+endothelial+cells+against+unilateral+ureteral+obstruction-induced+renal+fibrosis.">Protective role of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor in endothelial cells against unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced renal fibrosis.</a> Am J Pathol. 185 (5), 1234-1250 (2015).</li><li>Corridon, P. R., 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+method+to+facilitate+and+monitor+expression+of+exogenous+genes+in+the+rat+kidney+using+plasmid+and+viral+vectors.">A method to facilitate and monitor expression of exogenous genes in the rat kidney using plasmid and viral vectors.</a> Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 304 (9), F1217-F1229 (2013).</li><li>Wallace, D. 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=Tracking+kidney+volume+in+mice+with+polycystic+kidney+disease+by+magnetic+resonance+imaging.">Tracking kidney volume in mice with polycystic kidney disease by magnetic resonance imaging.</a> Kidney Int. 73 (6), 778-781 (2008).</li><li>Woodard, L. E., Wilson, M. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=piggyBac-ing+models+and+new+therapeutic+strategies.">piggyBac-ing models and new therapeutic strategies.</a> Trends Biotechnol. 33 (9), 525-533 (2015).</li><li>Yeikilis, R., 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=Hydrodynamics+based+transfection+in+normal+and+fibrotic+rats.">Hydrodynamics based transfection in normal and fibrotic rats.</a> World J Gastroenterol. 12 (38), 6149-6155 (2006).</li><li>Thalhofer, C. 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=In+vivo+imaging+of+transgenic+Leishmania+parasites+in+a+live+host.">In vivo imaging of transgenic Leishmania parasites in a live host.</a> J Vis Exp. (41), (2010).</li><li>Wooddell, C. 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=Muscle+damage+after+delivery+of+naked+plasmid+DNA+into+skeletal+muscles+is+batch+dependent.">Muscle damage after delivery of naked plasmid DNA into skeletal muscles is batch dependent.</a> Hum Gene Ther. 22 (2), 225-235 (2011).</li><li>Crespo, A., 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=Hydrodynamic+liver+gene+transfer+mechanism+involves+transient+sinusoidal+blood+stasis+and+massive+hepatocyte+endocytic+vesicles.">Hydrodynamic liver gene transfer mechanism involves transient sinusoidal blood stasis and massive hepatocyte endocytic vesicles.</a> Gene Ther. 12 (11), 927-935 (2005).</li><li>Rocca, C. J., Ur, S. N., Harrison, F., Cherqui, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=rAAV9+combined+with+renal+vein+injection+is+optimal+for+kidney-targeted+gene+delivery:+conclusion+of+a+comparative+study.">rAAV9 combined with renal vein injection is optimal for kidney-targeted gene delivery: conclusion of a comparative study.</a> Gene Ther. 21 (6), 618-628 (2014).</li></ol>

In this protocol a robust method for achieving reproducible gene expression specifically in the kidney is described. In the hands of a moderately experienced surgeon we have found the percentage of mice transfected by this technique to be in the range of 50-100%, depending on mouse age and the sensitivity of the readout of the transgene. The level of luciferase gene expression was above background for several months in mice receiving piggyBac transposons and completely maintained for several weeks in immunocompr...

The hydrodynamic tail vein injection technique has become a commonly used way to achieve high levels of gene expression in mouse liver1,2. The kidneys are also transfected by this technique at a much lower level, approximately 100-fold less3. The hydrodynamic renal pelvis injection described here provides a simple way to control the specificity of organ expression through physical means using the same hydrodynamic principles that have been established previously in liver4,5, muscle6, and other organs7,8. This method transfects cells in live animals in vivo by using pressure and speed to force fluid containing DNA into the cells, simultaneously inducing damage to the organ that is quickly resolved9. Using well-established surgical techniques to visualize the kidney via a flank incision10 along with a single injection by insulin syringe, we have found successful transfection of various types of kidney cells, mainly interstitial fibroblasts, tubules, and collecting duct11. Dissection of these mice has shown that other organs are not transfected at levels high enough to visualize by luciferase imaging techniques11. Since the technique is non-viral, use of plasmid DNA for transfection permits fast and easy preparation of the reagents required for injection.
We have used localized hydrodynamic injections to express the antioxidant glutathione S-transferase A4, the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, and the hormone erythropoietin in the kidney, all with the expected biological effects11,12,13. Detailed evaluation of route of administration, injection volume, DNA dosage, and promoter choice has been performed11. Additionally, both the piggyBac transposon system and/or cyclophosphamide treatment to suppress the immune reaction to the transgene have been shown to improve long-term gene expression outcomes11. Other investigators have used a renal vein approach in rat with success, achieving high transfection efficiency for time periods of greater than one month14. However, genetic correction of phenotypes mimicking human disease are usually performed in mice first as a proof-of-concept since most mammalian genetic models are mouse models. We compared renal vein injection to renal pelvis injection and found that injection into the renal pelvis was superior to the renal vein for gene expression (approximately ten-fold higher) and survival11. The renal pelvis is an ideal route of entry into the kidney because it is flexible enough to tolerate fluctuations in urine production and is often able to maintain its structural integrity even when dilated during hydronephrosis. Additionally, injection into the renal pelvis allowed access to the kidney without piercing the kidney capsule, allowing the injected fluid to be visibly retained by the kidney better than intraparenchymal injection. Other mouse organs do not have a route of entry other than the vasculature, but the urinary space of the kidney is an ideal injection site. Additionally, injection into the renal vein resulted in leakage of blood into the abdominal cavity. The total kidney volume of wild-type mouse kidneys has been estimated by magnetic resonance imaging to be approximately 0.2 cm3, so the volume of a single kidney is approximately equal to the amount of fluid injected by renal pelvis hydrodynamic injection (100 &#181;L)15. Herein, we have made available all of the detailed nuances of the hydrodynamic renal pelvis injection protocol to achieve reproducible transfection of the kidney.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>AnaSed Xylazine</td>
			<td>Patterson Veterinary</td>
			<td>07-808-1947</td>
			<td>Anesthetic - Not controlled substance</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BD Insulin Syringe 0.5 mL 29G 1/2 Inch</td>
			<td>Cardinal Health</td>
			<td>309306</td>
			<td>Required syringes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Buprenex</td>
			<td>Pharmacist/Veterinarian</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Analgesia - Controlled Substance</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dynarex Disposable Towel Drape</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>19-310-671</td>
			<td>Place over heat pad</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>EndoFree Plasmid Maxi Kit</td>
			<td>Qiagen</td>
			<td>12362</td>
			<td>Use only endotoxin-free plasmid DNA</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Endosafe Gel-Clot LAL Rapid Positive Control</td>
			<td>Charles River</td>
			<td>PC200</td>
			<td>Positive control for endotoxin test</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Endosafe Gel-Clot LAL Rapid Single Test Vial</td>
			<td>Charles River</td>
			<td>R13500</td>
			<td>Endotoxin test</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Extra Fine Micro Dissecting Scissors</td>
			<td>Roboz Surgical Instrument</td>
			<td>RS-5882</td>
			<td>Surgical tool</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fisherbrand Instant Sealing Sterilization Pouch - 9&#34;</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>01-812-51</td>
			<td>For autoclaving surgical tools</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gaymar Heat Pump</td>
			<td>Paragon Medical</td>
			<td>TP-700</td>
			<td>Water-circulating heat pump</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Germinator 500</td>
			<td>Roboz Surgical Instrument</td>
			<td>DS-401</td>
			<td>To reuse surgical tools during surgery</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Graefe Forceps</td>
			<td>Roboz Surgical Instrument</td>
			<td>RS-5136</td>
			<td>Surgical tool</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Graefe Tissue Forceps</td>
			<td>Roboz Surgical Instrument</td>
			<td>RS-5153</td>
			<td>Surgical tool</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Halsey Needle Holder, 5&#34; Length</td>
			<td>Roboz Surgical Instrument</td>
			<td>RS-7841</td>
			<td>Surgical tool</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heat pads - 15&#34; x 21&#34; - need at least 3</td>
			<td>Paragon Medical</td>
			<td>TP22G</td>
			<td>For use with Gaymar Heat Pump</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IsoFlo (Isoflurane, USP)</td>
			<td>Abbott Animal Health</td>
			<td>5260-04-05</td>
			<td>For imaging and euthanasia</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isotec Isoflurane Delivery System Vaporizor</td>
			<td>Smiths Medical</td>
			<td>VCT3K2</td>
			<td>For imaging and euthanasia</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ketamine</td>
			<td>Pharmacist/Veterinarian</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Anesthetic - Controlled Substance</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kimwipes</td>
			<td>Kimberly-Clark Professional</td>
			<td>34120</td>
			<td>Laboratory tissues</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Living Image software</td>
			<td>Caliper Life Sciences</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>For live animal imaging</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Luciferin</td>
			<td>Perkin Elmer</td>
			<td>122796</td>
			<td>For live animal imaging</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nanodrop 2000</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>ND-2000-US-CAN</td>
			<td>Spectrophotometer for DNA measurement</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Prevantics Swabs</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>23-100-110</td>
			<td>For skin surgery prep</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Prolene 5-0 sutures Taper 30&#34;</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>NC0256891</td>
			<td>Non-absorbable sutures for skin</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Puralube Brand Opthalmic Ointment</td>
			<td>Patterson Veterinary</td>
			<td>07-888-2572</td>
			<td>To keep eyes moist during surgery</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trans IT - QR Hydrodynamic Delivery Solution</td>
			<td>Mirus Bio</td>
			<td>MIR-5240</td>
			<td>Hydrodynamic delivery buffer for diluting DNA</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vicryl 5-0 Sutures J303H</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>NC9816710</td>
			<td>Absorbable sutures for muscle layer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Wahl Mini Arco Clipper</td>
			<td>Med-Vet International</td>
			<td>8787-1550</td>
			<td>Shaver for skin prep</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Xenogen IVIS 200</td>
			<td>Caliper Life Sciences</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>For live animal imaging</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

hydrodynamic renal pelvis injection for non-viral expression of proteins in the kidney

Hydrodynamic injection creates a local, high-pressure environment to transfect various tissues with plasmid DNA and other substances. Hydrodynamic tail vein injection, for example, is a well-established method by which the liver can be transfected. This manuscript describes an application of hydrodynamic principles by injection of the mouse kidney directly with plasmid DNA for kidney-specific gene expression. Mice are anesthetized and the kidney is exposed by a flank incision followed by a fast injection of a plasmid DNA-containing solution directly into the renal pelvis. The needle is kept in place for ten seconds and the incision site is sutured. The following day, live animal imaging, Western blot, or immunohistochemistry may be used to assay gene expression, or other assays suited to the transgene of choice are used for detection of the protein of interest. Published methods to prolong gene expression include transposon-mediated transgene integration and cyclophosphamide treatment to inhibit the immune response to the transgene.

The surgery and injection technique are simple to perform once mastered, requiring no major equipment or expensive materials. If new to flank-incision kidney surgery, one training day on several mice scheduled for euthanasia should be allowed in which the mice are not recovered following surgery because the first attempt at this surgery may take much longer than normal. Alternatively, investigators familiar with similar techniques may find it quite simple. Carefully follow the illustratio...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Hydrodynamic Renal Pelvis Injection for Non-viral Expression of Proteins in the Kidney at JoVE.com

Hydrodynamic Renal Pelvis Injection for Non-viral Expression of Proteins in the Kidney

This protocol describes a method to inject plasmid DNA into the mouse kidney via the renal pelvis to produce transgene expression specifically in the kidney.

Hydrodynamic injection creates a local, high-pressure environment to transfect various tissues with plasmid DNA and other substances. Hydrodynamic tail ...

The overall goal of this surgical procedure is to produce protein expression from plasmid DNA in the adult mouse kidney. This method is a new tool to address key questions in nephrology, such as, how the expression of a protein of interest affects the adult kidney. The main advantage of this technique is that it produces protein expression in a reproducible way, specifically in the kidney, unlike other methods that may also produce gene expression in other organs.Visual demonstration of this method is critical as injection of the renal pelvis requires careful exposure and must be done quickly in order for the plasma DNA to enter the cells. Start by resuspending plasmid DNA in the hydrodynamic delivery buffer. On a water circulated heat pad covered with a blue pad, place the mouse.Using a shaver designed for pet grooming, shave the left side of the back of the mouse from shoulder to rump and flank to spine. Clean loose hair and debris and apply vet ointment in both it's eyes to prevent corneal desiccation. Now, prepare 100 microliters containing 10 to 50 micrograms diluted plasmid DNA in a separate syringe for each mouse that is anesthetized, ensuring that there are no air bubbles.The needle should be permanently attached without a safety. Prior to performing the surgery, empty sterile surgical tools without touching onto a sterile tray placed on the heat pad. Now, pick up the mouse and lace it in an illuminated field of view.From the packing, remove 3.15%chlorhexidine gluconate and 70%isopropyl alcohol skin antiseptic swabs and place near the animal. Wear sterile surgical gloves and starting from the site of incision, swab the animal with a new chlorhexidine alcohol swab, three times in a circular motion. Now, locate the incision site.Pinch the skin with tweezers and using scissors, cut the skin layer approximately one centimeter from the spine, below the ribcage. Make another one centimeter cut below in the muscle layer. Locate the kidney and without touching it, gently expose it from the abdominal cavity by applying a steady gently pressure on the abdomen with the fingers.Exposing the kidney is sometimes difficult. Apply gentle pressure to the abdomen and spine to avoid damaging the spleen. If organs other than the kidney come out, gently return them to the body cavity using closed forceps if necessary.Then, gently separate the kidney from the surrounding fat just enough to visualize the renal pelvis, which can be seen as a small white dot. After visualizing the renal pelvis, use closed forceps to push down on the right side of the kidney so that the renal pelvis remains in view. Then, grasp the loaded insulin syringe in the right hand by holding it parallel to the working surface and insert the needle carefully into the renal pelvis.Once the needle is inserted, inject the solution quickly, within three seconds. Let the needle remain in place for approximately 10 seconds to prevent backflow of the solution. Then, remove the needle slowly and carefully and return the organ to the abdominal cavity by stretching the incision site gently using closed forceps.Now, suture the muscle layer with five-o absorbable sutures and place two to four independent knots. Similarly, suture the skin layer with five-O or six-O non-absorbable nylon sutures and place two to four independent knots. To assess transfection efficiency, introduce 10 microgram of a luciferase expressing plasmid to the diluted DNA for injection to perform live animal imaging, the following day.Place the first cage of mice into the chamber and seal it shut. Once anesthetized, inject each mouse intra-peritoneally with 100 microliters of thawed luciferin and record the time. Select the correct user ID and from the top menu bar, click on acquisition and select auto save two from the drop down menu.Initialize the system by clicking on initialize. Wait for the initializing to finish and change the field of view to D, to image five mice. Ensure that the animals are placed in the desired order and that they're backs are facing the camera so as to visualize the kidney.Then, press acquire five minutes following injection to take the image. After acquisition, remove the mice from the imaging machine. Turn off the gas.Clean the chamber, nose combs and the imaging stage. To analyze the data, after clicking on ROI tools, click the circle icon and select one on the drop down menu to place new ROI in the image as indicated by a red oval with four squares around it. To adjust the size of the ROI, place the cursor over a red square and drag to enclose the purple area overlaying the injected kidney.Now, right click this ROI and select duplicate ROI to duplicate the ROI in the current window and move it over to the next mouse. After placing all ROI's from the menu directly above the image, change the units from counts to radiance photons. Finally, create a spreadsheet of the measurements by exporting the ROI data from the tool palate by clicking on ROI tools and then on the pencil ruler icon.The kidney's specific gene expression of reporter plasmids is shown. All mice were injected with pTet plasmid expressing enhanced firefly luciferase, while mice two, three and five were also injected with pEF1-alpha-tdtomato plasmid, expressing the red fluorescent protein, tdtomato. Generally, the radiance in young mice will be within one order of magnitude.It is possible that some mice do not show appreciable levels of radiance, either due to low transfection efficiency or lack of the transgene itself. Injection of hydrodynamic buffer serves as a control. No plasmid expression is observed when given only the hydrodynamic buffer.In a first few days following transfection, there will likely be a low number of cells staining positive for the transgene. These cells are seen localized in patches in the areas infiltrated by the injection fluid. In this image, the green signals are from the proximal tubules, which are stained for lotus tetragonolobus agglutinin and the red signals are from the transfected cells expressing the tdtomato reporter gene.Once mastered, the surgery can be done in less than 10 minutes, however, the anesthesia takes time to induce and recover from. So, two trained personnel, working closely together would be able to do only about 10 to 15 mice per day. While attempting this procedure, it's important to remember to use young mice.The hydrodynamic technique does not work as well in older fibrotic organs. Following this procedure, other methods can be performed, such as analysis of blood, urine and kidney tissue samples, in order to assess the expression of the gene of interest. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to inject the renal pelvis with plasmid DNA to achieve kidney specific protein expression.

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Biology

The Preparation of Primary Hematopoietic Cell Cultures From Murine Bone Marrow for Electroporation

It is becoming increasingly apparent that electroporation is the most effective way to introduce plasmid DNA or siRNA into primary cells. The Gene Pulser MXcell  electroporation system and Gene Pulser  electroporation buffer were specifically developed to transfect nucleic acids into mammalian cells and difficult-to-transfect cells, such as primary and stem cells.This video demonstrates how to establish primary hematopoietic cell cultures from murine bone marrow, and then prepare them for electroporation in the MXcell system. We begin by isolating femur and tibia. Bone marrow from both femur and tibia are then harvested and cultures are established. Cultured bone marrow cells are then transfected and analyzed.

This procedure describes how to establish primary hematopoietic cell cultures from murine bone marrow and is followed by transfection using the Gene Pulser MXCell electroporation system.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that electroporation is the most effective way to introduce plasmid DNA or siRNA into primary cells. The Gene Pulser ...

Murine Renal Transplantation Procedure

Renal orthotopic transplantation in mice is a technically challenging procedure. Although the first kidney transplants in mice were performed by Russell et al over 30 years ago (1) and refined by Zhang et al years later (2), few people in the world have mastered this procedure. In our laboratory we have successfully performed 1200 orthotopic kidney transplantations with &gt; 90% survival rate. The key points for success include stringent control of reperfusion injury, bleeding and thrombosis, both during the procedure and post-transplantation, and use of 10-0 instead of 11-0 suture for anastomoses.
Post-operative care and treatment of the recipient is extremely important to transplant success and evaluation. All renal graft recipients receive antibiotics in the form of an injection of penicillin immediately post-transplant and sulfatrim in the drinking water continually. Overall animal health is evaluated daily and whole blood creatinine analyses are performed routinely with a portable I-STAT machine to assess graft function.

Renal transplantation in mice is a technically challenging procedure that requires careful post-operative care and treatment for success.

Renal orthotopic transplantation in mice is a technically challenging procedure. Although the first kidney transplants in mice were performed by Russell ...

Staining of Proteins in Gels with Coomassie G-250 without Organic Solvent and Acetic Acid

In classical protein staining protocols using Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB), solutions with high contents of toxic and flammable organic solvents (Methanol, Ethanol or 2-Propanol) and acetic acid are used for fixation, staining and destaining of proteins in a gel after SDS-PAGE. To speed up the procedure, heating the staining solution in the microwave oven for a short time is frequently used. This usually results in evaporation of toxic or hazardous Methanol, Ethanol or 2-Propanol and a strong smell of acetic acid in the lab which should be avoided due to safety considerations. In a protocol originally published in two patent applications by E.M. Wondrak (US2001046709 (A1), US6319720 (B1)), an alternative composition of the staining solution is described in which no organic solvent or acid is used. The CBB is dissolved in bidistilled water (60-80mg of CBB G-250 per liter) and 35 mM HCl is added as the only other compound in the staining solution. The CBB staning of the gel is done after SDS-PAGE and thorough washing of the gel in bidistilled water. By heating the gel during the washing and staining steps, the process can be finished faster and no toxic or hazardous compunds are evaporating. The staining of proteins occurs already within 1 minute after heating the gel in staining solution and is fully developed after 15-30 min with a slightly blue background that is destained completely by prolonged washing of the stained gel in bidistilled water, without affecting the stained protein bands.

A short protocol for protein staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) G-250 in polyacrylamide gels is described without using organic solvents or acetic acid as in the classical staining procedures with CBB.

In classical protein staining protocols using Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB), solutions with high contents of toxic and flammable organic solvents ...

Expression of Recombinant Proteins in the Methylotrophic Yeast Pichia pastoris

Protein expression in the microbial eukaryotic host Pichia pastoris offers the possibility to generate high amounts of recombinant protein in a fast and easy to use expression system.
As a single-celled microorganism P. pastoris is easy to manipulate and grows rapidly on inexpensive media at high cell densities. Being a eukaryote, P. pastoris is able to perform many of the post-translational modifications performed by higher eukaryotic cells and the obtained recombinant proteins undergo protein folding, proteolytic processing, disulfide bond formation and glycosylation [1].
As a methylotrophic yeast P. pastoris is capable of metabolizing methanol as its sole carbon source. The strong promoter for alcohol oxidase, AOX1, is tightly regulated and induced by methanol and it is used for the expression of the gene of interest. Accordingly, the expression of the foreign protein can be induced by adding methanol to the growth medium [2; 3].
Another important advantage is the secretion of the recombinant protein into the growth medium, using a signal sequence to target the foreign protein to the secretory pathway of P. pastoris. With only low levels of endogenous protein secreted to the media by the yeast itself and no added proteins to the media, a heterologous protein builds the majority of the total protein in the medium and facilitates following protein purification steps [3; 4].
The vector used here (pPICZ&alpha;A) contains the AOX1 promoter for tightly regulated, methanol-induced expression of the gene of interest; the &alpha;-factor secretion signal for secretion of the recombinant protein, a Zeocin resistance gene for selection in both E. coli and Pichia and a C-terminal peptide containing the c-myc epitope and a polyhistidine (6xHis) tag for detection and purification of a recombinant protein. We also show western blot analysis of the recombinant protein using the specific Anti-myc-HRP antibody recognizing the c-myc epitope on the parent vector.

Expression of Recombinant Proteins in the Methylotrophic Yeast Pichia pastoris

The protocol describes protein expression using the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. The preparation of electrocompetent yeast cells, transformation of the vector with the gene of interest into P. pastoris and yeast DNA purification are also performed. Western blot analysis and protein purification build the last steps in this protein expression protocol.

Protein expression in the microbial eukaryotic host Pichia pastoris offers the possibility to generate high amounts of recombinant protein in a fast and ...

In vitro Reconstitution of the Active T. castaneum Telomerase

Efforts to isolate the catalytic subunit of telomerase, TERT, in sufficient quantities for structural studies, have been met with limited success for more than a decade. Here, we present methods for the isolation of the recombinant Tribolium castaneum TERT (TcTERT) and the reconstitution of the active T. castaneum telomerase ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex in vitro.
Telomerase is a specialized reverse transcriptase1 that adds short DNA repeats, called telomeres, to the 3' end of linear chromosomes2 that serve to protect them from end-to-end fusion and degradation. Following DNA replication, a short segment is lost at the end of the chromosome3 and without telomerase, cells continue dividing until eventually reaching their Hayflick Limit4. Additionally, telomerase is dormant in most somatic cells5 in adults, but is active in cancer cells6 where it promotes cell immortality7.
The minimal telomerase enzyme consists of two core components: the protein subunit (TERT), which comprises the catalytic subunit of the enzyme and an integral RNA component (TER), which contains the template TERT uses to synthesize telomeres8,9. Prior to 2008, only structures for individual telomerase domains had been solved10,11. A major breakthrough in this field came from the determination of the crystal structure of the active12, catalytic subunit of T. castaneum telomerase, TcTERT1.
Here, we present methods for producing large quantities of the active, soluble TcTERT for structural and biochemical studies, and the reconstitution of the telomerase RNP complex in vitro for telomerase activity assays. An overview of the experimental methods used is shown in Figure 1.

In vitro Reconstitution of the Active T. castaneum Telomerase

Efforts to isolate the catalytic subunit of telomerase, TERT, in sufficient quantities for structural studies, have been met with limited success for more than a decade. Here, we present methods for the isolation of the recombinant Tribolium castaneum TERT (TcTERT) and the reconstitution of the active T. castaneum telomerase ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex in vitro.

Efforts to isolate the catalytic subunit of telomerase, TERT, in sufficient quantities for structural studies, have been met with limited success for more ...

Efficient Agroinfiltration of Plants for High-level Transient Expression of Recombinant Proteins

Mammalian cell culture is the major platform for commercial production of human vaccines and therapeutic proteins. However, it cannot meet the increasing worldwide demand for pharmaceuticals due to its limited scalability and high cost. Plants have shown to be one of the most promising alternative pharmaceutical production platforms that are robust, scalable, low-cost and safe. The recent development of virus-based vectors has allowed rapid and high-level transient expression of recombinant proteins in plants. To further optimize the utility of the transient expression system, we demonstrate a simple, efficient and scalable methodology to introduce target-gene containing Agrobacterium into plant tissue in this study. Our results indicate that agroinfiltration with both syringe and vacuum methods have resulted in the efficient introduction of Agrobacterium into leaves and robust production of two fluorescent proteins; GFP and DsRed. Furthermore, we demonstrate the unique advantages offered by both methods. Syringe infiltration is simple and does not need expensive equipment. It also allows the flexibility to either infiltrate the entire leave with one target gene, or to introduce genes of multiple targets on one leaf. Thus, it can be used for laboratory scale expression of recombinant proteins as well as for comparing different proteins or vectors for yield or expression kinetics. The simplicity of syringe infiltration also suggests its utility in high school and college education for the subject of biotechnology. In contrast, vacuum infiltration is more robust and can be scaled-up for commercial manufacture of pharmaceutical proteins. It also offers the advantage of being able to agroinfiltrate plant species that are not amenable for syringe infiltration such as lettuce and Arabidopsis. Overall, the combination of syringe and vacuum agroinfiltration provides researchers and educators a simple, efficient, and robust methodology for transient protein expression. It will greatly facilitate the development of pharmaceutical proteins and promote science education.

Plants offer a novel system for the production of pharmaceutical proteins on a commercial scale that is more scalable, cost-efficient and safe than current expression paradigms. In this study, we report a simple and convenient, yet scalable approach to introduce target-gene containing Agrobacterium tumefaciens into plants for protein transient expression.

Mammalian cell culture is the major platform for commercial production of human vaccines and therapeutic proteins. However, it cannot meet the increasing ...

Transient Expression of Proteins by Hydrodynamic Gene Delivery in Mice

Efficient expression of transgenes in vivo is of critical importance in studying gene function and developing treatments for diseases. Over the past years, hydrodynamic gene delivery (HGD) has emerged as a simple, fast, safe and effective method for delivering transgenes into rodents. This technique relies on the force generated by the rapid injection of a large volume of physiological solution to increase the permeability of cell membranes of perfused organs and thus deliver DNA into cells. One of the main advantages of HGD is the ability to introduce transgenes into mammalian cells using naked plasmid DNA (pDNA). Introducing an exogenous gene using a plasmid is minimally laborious, highly efficient and, contrary to viral carriers, remarkably safe. HGD was initially used to deliver genes into mice, it is now used to deliver a wide range of substances, including oligonucleotides, artificial chromosomes, RNA, proteins and small molecules into mice, rats and, to a limited degree, other animals. This protocol describes HGD in mice and focuses on three key aspects of the method that are critical to performing the procedure successfully: correct insertion of the needle into the vein, the volume of injection and the speed of delivery. Examples are given to show the application of this method to the transient expression of two genes that encode secreted, primate-specific proteins, apolipoprotein L-I (APOL-I) and haptoglobin-related protein (HPR).

In vivo transfection of naked DNA by hydrodynamic gene delivery introduces genes into the tissue of an animal with minimal inflammatory response. Sufficient amounts of gene product are generated such that gene function and regulation as well as protein structure and function can be analyzed.

Efficient expression of transgenes in vivo is of critical importance in studying gene function and developing treatments for diseases. Over the past ...

HeLa Based Cell Free Expression Systems for Expression of Plasmodium Rhoptry Proteins

Malaria causes significant global morbidity and mortality. No routine vaccine is currently available. One of the major reasons for lack of a vaccine is the challenge of identifying suitable vaccine candidates. Malarial proteins expressed using prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell based expression systems are poorly glycosylated, generally insoluble and undergo improper folding leading to reduced immunogenicity. The wheat germ, rabbit reticulocyte lysate and Escherichia coli lysate cell free expression systems are currently used for expression of malarial proteins. However, the length of expression time and improper glycosylation of proteins still remains a challenge. We demonstrate expression of Plasmodium proteins in vitro using HeLa based cell free expression systems, termed &#8220;in vitro human cell free expression systems&#8221;. The 2 HeLa based cell free expression systems transcribe mRNA in 75 min and 3 &#181;l of transcribed mRNA is sufficient to translate proteins in 90 min. The 1-step expression system is a transcription and translation coupled expression system; the transcription and co-translation occurs in 3 hr. The process can also be extended for 6 hr by providing additional energy. In the 2-step expression system, mRNA is first transcribed and then added to the translation mix for protein expression. We describe how to express malaria proteins; a hydrophobic PF3D7_0114100 Maurer&#8217;s Cleft &#8211; 2 transmembrane (PfMC-2TM) protein, a hydrophilic PF3D7_0925900 protein and an armadillo repeats containing protein PF3D7_1361800, using the HeLa based cell free expression system. The proteins are expressed in micro volumes employing 2-step and 1-step expression strategies. An affinity purification method to purify 25 &#181;l of proteins expressed using the in vitro human cell free expression system is also described. Protein yield is determined by Bradford&#8217;s assay and the expressed and purified proteins can be confirmed by western blotting analysis. Expressed recombinant proteins can be used for immunizations, immunoassays and protein sequencing.

HeLa Based Cell Free Expression Systems for Expression of Plasmodium Rhoptry Proteins

Expression of malarial proteins in cell based systems remains challenging. We demonstrate two step and one step IVT (in vitro translation) cell free expression systems for expressing malarial recombinant rhoptry proteins from HeLa cells. We use a Ni-resin affinity based purification system to purify the rhoptry proteins.

Malaria causes significant global morbidity and mortality. No routine vaccine is currently available. One of the major reasons for lack of a vaccine is ...

Methods for the Determination of Rates of Glucose and Fatty Acid Oxidation in the Isolated Working Rat Heart

The mammalian heart is a major consumer of ATP and requires a constant supply of energy substrates for contraction. Not surprisingly, alterations of myocardial metabolism have been linked to the development of contractile dysfunction and heart failure. Therefore, unraveling the link between metabolism and contraction should shed light on some of the mechanisms governing cardiac adaptation or maladaptation in disease states. The isolated working rat heart preparation can be used to follow, simultaneously and in real time, cardiac contractile function and flux of energy providing substrates into oxidative metabolic pathways. The present protocol aims to provide a detailed description of the methods used in the preparation and utilization of buffers for the quantitative measurement of the rates of oxidation for glucose and fatty acids, the main energy providing substrates of the heart. The methods used for sample analysis and data interpretation are also discussed. In brief, the technique is based on the supply of 14C- radiolabeled glucose and a 3H- radiolabeled long-chain fatty acid to an ex vivo beating heart via normothermic crystalloid perfusion. 14CO2 and 3H2O, end byproducts of the enzymatic reactions involved in the utilization of these energy providing substrates, are then quantitatively recovered from the coronary effluent. With knowledge of the specific activity of the radiolabeled substrates used, it is then possible to individually quantitate the flux of glucose and fatty acid in the oxidation pathways. Contractile function of the isolated heart can be determined in parallel with the appropriate recording equipment and directly correlated to metabolic flux values. The technique is extremely useful to study the metabolism/contraction relationship in response to various stress conditions such as alterations in pre and after load and ischemia, a drug or a circulating factor, or following the alteration in the expression of a gene product.

The following protocol describes the preparation and utilization of buffers for the quantitative measurement of rates of glucose and fatty acid oxidation in the isolated working rat heart. The methods used for sample analysis and data interpretation are also discussed.

The mammalian heart is a major consumer of ATP and requires a constant supply of energy substrates for contraction. Not surprisingly, alterations of ...

The Mouse Isolated Perfused Kidney Technique

The mouse isolated perfused kidney (MIPK) is a technique for keeping a mouse kidney under ex vivo conditions perfused and functional for 1 hr. This is a prerequisite for studying the physiology of the isolated organ and for many innovative applications that may be possible in the future, including perfusion decellularization for kidney bioengineering or the administration of anti-rejection or genome-editing drugs in high doses to prime the kidney for transplantation. During the time of the perfusion, the kidney can be manipulated, renal function can be assessed, and various pharmaceuticals administered. After the procedure, the kidney can be transplanted or processed for molecular biology, biochemical analysis, or microscopy.
This paper describes the perfusate and the surgical technique needed for the ex vivo perfusion of mouse kidneys. Details of the perfusion apparatus are given and data are presented showing the viability of the kidney&#39;s preparation: renal blood flow, vascular resistance, and urine data as functional, transmission electron micrographs of different nephron segments as morphological readouts, and western blots of transport proteins of different nephron segments as molecular readout.

The mouse isolated perfused kidney (MIPK) is a technique for keeping a mouse kidney under ex vivo conditions perfused and functional for 1 hr. The buffers and surgical technique are described in detail.

The mouse isolated perfused kidney (MIPK) is a technique for keeping a mouse kidney under ex vivo conditions perfused and functional for 1 hr. This is a ...