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.

<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>

The authors have nothing to disclose and declare no conflict of interest.

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 immunocompromised mice receiving the same transposons11. While many cells stained brightly for the transgene in areas near the injection site, the overall transfection efficiency was relatively low (Figure 3D). The most important material to achieve the desired outcome is the injection syringe itself. This must be a 29G x &#189;&#34; insulin syringe with an attached needle and no safety to impede the injection. The injection must be fast, within three s. The plasmid DNA preparation should be pure, with very low endotoxin and bacterial genomic DNA levels19.
It is conceivable that injections of other substances, such as RNA, viruses, or protein, may be done in a similar manner. The renal pelvis was superior as a route of entry to other injection sites tested, such as the renal vein or direct injection of the kidney parenchyma. Those injections led to bleeding and lower gene expression11. Because the renal pelvis is an elastic structure sometimes required to hold urine backflow, it may be better able to stretch and accommodate the needle. Leakage of DNA solution or urine from the hole created by the insulin syringe has not been observed, suggesting that the renal pelvis is repaired quickly. The exact mechanism by which the injected fluid transfects the kidney has not been studied in depth as it has for the liver, for example. Future electron microscopy studies may elucidate this mechanism further. The retrograde nature of the injection has precedence in that the hydrodynamic tail vein injection method reverses the flow of the hepatic vein20 and other successful methods of kidney transfection have injected via the renal vein12,13,14,21. Kidney damage is likely required for optimal transfection efficiencies so we hypothesize that transfection occurs via damage to the cell membrane caused by the fast, high-volume injection. The podocytes, tubules, and collecting ducts all have direct interface with the urinary space as their major function is to filter and concentrate the urine.
Although reproducible and kidney-specific, this method is limited by the relatively low transfection efficiency observed (Figure 3D). Hydrodynamic renal pelvis injection is not a substitute for creation of a transgenic animal driving the transgene from a kidney-specific promoter, in which every cell of a certain subtype in the animal would express the gene of interest. Rather this method is best adapted to gene transfer approaches for diseases in which a small number of corrected cells would have a dramatic effect on the phenotype, for secretion of hormones or other substances normally produced by the kidney, or for creation of a population of rare cells that will exert some positive effect on the kidney to repair or regenerate it. Alternatively, it could also be used in the opposite way to develop a new model of kidney injury by introducing a transgene with a negative influence.

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 illustration in Figure 1 and the pictorial directions in Figure 2. To properly place the incision, the surgeon can use fingers to push on the mouse&#39;s stomach while it lays on its side. The kidney is visualized by a small lump that rises near the spine with gentle abdominal pressure, and the incision should be made over this area (Figure 1 and Figure 2). It is important to make the incision through the skin and muscle layers the correct size (Figure 1). If the incision is too big, the kidney will glide back into the abdominal cavity easily, making injection difficult. If the incision is too small, it will be difficult to push the kidney out of the abdominal cavity and organ damage could occur. Another important point is placement of the needle in the renal pelvis. The surgeon should push the kidney down with closed forceps, then insert the needle into the renal pelvis at an angle parallel to the working surface such that most of the injection volume goes directly into the kidney parenchyma (Figure 2). It is important that the injection be performed as quickly as possible to induce the hydrodynamic pressure required for kidney transfection.
Mice of different strains, ages, weights, and/or sex will have differences in the position of the kidney and amount of fat surrounding the kidney, so some adjustments may be necessary to work with the mice of interest. If possible, the first surgical attempt from which mice are recovered should include an immediate readout of kidney-specific gene expression, such as luciferase imaging (Figure 3A). If young mice are used, the expected result is that all mice will have a radiance that is within one order of magnitude (Figure 3B). Occasionally, even after a second injection of luciferin, it is apparent by imaging that a mouse or mice failed to become transfected at a level comparable to the others or that some injected mice are even completely lacking in gene expression. Such mice may be excluded from the study due to failed transgene delivery. If many of the mice lack gene expression, then the surgeon should decrease the time of injection of the DNA solution. Failure to induce the necessary damage through the high pressure of the injection is the most likely culprit for consistent lack of gene expression. Mice should be carefully monitored following surgery for potential health problems (see Table 1 for potential health problems with accompanying solutions and consult with the institution&#39;s veterinary team as necessary). Following an initial training period, the surgery itself should take less than ten min. The surgical period should be made as short as possible by operating on one mouse at a time to prevent desiccation of tissues during surgery. Most of the time investment in this procedure is due to the induction of and recovery from the ketamine/xylazine anesthetic. Two experienced personnel working as a team should expect to perform up to ten surgeries per day, with fifteen as a reasonable maximum.
Researchers should expect a low number of cells to stain highly positive for the transgene within the first few days following the injection. These positive cells will be localized in patches surrounding areas where the injection fluid infiltrated the kidney (Figure 3C-D). Some parts of the kidney will be completely negative for transfected cells. Such negative areas will also be lacking in erythrocytes and have completely normal histology since the injection did not reach these areas. Staining protocols and promoters should be optimized carefully to capture gene expression. Investigators should expect that the cell types transfected will be variable, the gene expression levels within the low percentage of cells transfected are high, and the localization of the proteins within the cells may not be as expected due to high levels of expression (Figure 3D).
<img alt="Figure 3" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/56324/56324fig3.jpg" /> 
Figure 3. Hydrodynamic renal pelvis injection results in kidney-specific gene expression of luciferase and TdTomato. (A) FVB 7-8 week old male mice were given hydrodynamic renal pelvis injections of 20 &#181;g of pTEeL, a plasmid expressing enhanced firefly luciferase from the EF-1&#945; promoter. Mice 2, 3, and 5 were also injected with 20 &#181;g of fluorescent reporter plasmid. (B) Dot plot of the radiance obtained from the mice shown in (A). (C and D) Mice were given either hydrodynamic delivery buffer alone (C) or (D) fluorescent microspheres (bright green dots) and pEF1&#945;-TdTomato expressing the red fluorescent reporter TdTomato from the EF-1&#945; promoter. Proximal tubules were stained by Lotus tetragonolobus agglutinin (LTA; green) and transfected cells are shown after staining with anti-RFP antibody to amplify the TdTomato signal (red). Nuclei are stained by DAPI (blue). The images shown in (C) and (D) are 13.2 mm x 17.5 mm. Error bars represent the standard error of the mean. <a href="https://cloudflare.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/56324/56324fig3large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>

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 ...

hydrodynamic-renal-pelvis-injection-for-non-viral-expression-proteins

Nanyang Technological University

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

18.3K Views.  Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. 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.

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

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 ...

High Yield Expression of Recombinant Human Proteins with the Transient Transfection of HEK293 Cells in Suspension

The art of producing recombinant proteins with complex post-translational modifications represents a major challenge for studies of structure and function. The rapid establishment and high recovery from transiently-transfected mammalian cell lines addresses this barrier and is an effective means of expressing proteins that are naturally channeled through the ER and Golgi-mediated secretory pathway. Here is one protocol for protein expression using the human HEK293F and HEK293S cell lines transfected with a mammalian expression vector designed for high protein yields. The applicability of this system is demonstrated using three representative glycoproteins that expressed with yields between 95-120 mg of purified protein recovered per liter of culture. These proteins are the human Fc&#947;RIIIa and the rat &#945;2-6 sialyltransferase, ST6GalI, both expressed with an N-terminal GFP fusion, as well as the unmodified human immunoglobulin G1 Fc. This robust system utilizes a serum-free medium that is adaptable for expression of isotopically enriched proteins and carbohydrates for structural studies using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Furthermore, the composition of the N-glycan can be tuned by adding a small molecule to prevent certain glycan modifications in a manner that does not reduce yield.

Laboratory-scale production of eukaryotic proteins with appropriate post-translational modification represents a significant barrier. Here is a robust protocol with rapid establishment and turnaround for protein expression using a mammalian expression system. This system supports selective amino acid, selective labeling of proteins and small molecule modulators of glycan composition.

The art of producing recombinant proteins with complex post-translational modifications represents a major challenge for studies of structure and ...

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 ...

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

Podsumowanie

Przeglądaj więcej filmów

Rozdziały w tym wideo

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

Murine Renal Transplantation Procedure

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

Expression of Recombinant Proteins in the Methylotrophic Yeast Pichia pastoris

In vitro Reconstitution of the Active T. castaneum Telomerase

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

Transient Expression of Proteins by Hydrodynamic Gene Delivery in Mice

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

High Yield Expression of Recombinant Human Proteins with the Transient Transfection of HEK293 Cells in Suspension

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