Research Article

Enhancement of recombinant adeno-associated virus mediated transgene expression by targeted echo-contrast agent

Published: April 25, 2013
Genet. Mol. Res. 12 (2) : 1318-1326 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/2013.April.25.3
Cite this Article:
S.L. Yang, Y.M. Mu, K.Q. Tang, X.K. Jiang, W.K. Bai, E. Shen, B. Hu (2013). Enhancement of recombinant adeno-associated virus mediated transgene expression by targeted echo-contrast agent. Genet. Mol. Res. 12(2): 1318-1326. https://doi.org/10.4238/2013.April.25.3
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Abstract

Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) has been recently developed for destroying bubbles carrying drugs or genes, thereby permitting local release of these target molecules. We in­vestigated whether SonoVue®, a new contrast agent that contains phos­pholipid-stabilized microbubbles filled with sulfur hexafluoride vapor, is effective at delivering a recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector to the rat heart by UTMD. Serotype-2 (rAAV2) marked with green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter gene was attached to the surface of sulfur hexafluoride-filled microbubbles. Microbubbles were infused into the tail vein of rats with or without simultaneous echocar­diography. Additional controls included ultrasound microbubbles that did not contain virus, virus alone, and virus plus ultrasound. One group underwent echocardiographic destruction of microbubbles followed by rAAV2-GFP infusion. Rats were killed after 4 weeks and examined for GFP expression. Green fluorescence was detected in all groups that received the rAAV2-GFP vector, indicating expression of the rAAV2 transgene; however, GFP expression in the UTMD group was signifi­cantly higher than that in control groups. We conclude that ultrasound-mediated destruction mediated by SonoVue is a promising method for delivery of rAAV2 to the heart in vivo.

Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) has been recently developed for destroying bubbles carrying drugs or genes, thereby permitting local release of these target molecules. We in­vestigated whether SonoVue®, a new contrast agent that contains phos­pholipid-stabilized microbubbles filled with sulfur hexafluoride vapor, is effective at delivering a recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector to the rat heart by UTMD. Serotype-2 (rAAV2) marked with green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter gene was attached to the surface of sulfur hexafluoride-filled microbubbles. Microbubbles were infused into the tail vein of rats with or without simultaneous echocar­diography. Additional controls included ultrasound microbubbles that did not contain virus, virus alone, and virus plus ultrasound. One group underwent echocardiographic destruction of microbubbles followed by rAAV2-GFP infusion. Rats were killed after 4 weeks and examined for GFP expression. Green fluorescence was detected in all groups that received the rAAV2-GFP vector, indicating expression of the rAAV2 transgene; however, GFP expression in the UTMD group was signifi­cantly higher than that in control groups. We conclude that ultrasound-mediated destruction mediated by SonoVue is a promising method for delivery of rAAV2 to the heart in vivo.