1 reply to this topic

[cancerous]

Hi all,

I plan to see changes in cell surface markers as well as gene expression profiles when I introduce a gene of interest transiently. I have plasmids which are retroviral and lentiiral. I know that infection after virus production will be more effective way to introduce a gene of interest in viral vectors but also would like to try direct transfection of viral vectors.

I wonder if direct transfection of viral vectors are acceptable. What is advantage or disadvantage to transfect directly using viral vectors? Thank you!

[gfischer]

cancerous, on 06 February 2011 - 02:48 PM, said:

Hi all,

I plan to see changes in cell surface markers as well as gene expression profiles when I introduce a gene of interest transiently. I have plasmids which are retroviral and lentiiral. I know that infection after virus production will be more effective way to introduce a gene of interest in viral vectors but also would like to try direct transfection of viral vectors.

I wonder if direct transfection of viral vectors are acceptable. What is advantage or disadvantage to transfect directly using viral vectors? Thank you!

Yes, you can transfect with the viral expression vector.  The disadvantages of this approach are similar to those for any transfection versus viral transduction (i.e. lower efficiency, toxicity from transfection reagent, losing expression over time, etc.).  On the plus side, it saves the time and effort involved in making a virus if you only need transient expression.