Development of optical transfection methods

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K19209
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 43:Biology at molecular to cellular levels, and related fields
• Research Institution: Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Muraoka Takahiro 東京農工大学, 工学(系)研究科(研究院), 教授 (70509132)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-07-09 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 遺伝子導入

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we developed a method of gene light transfection based on a molecular machine that transforms lipid bilayers in response to visible light. Material transfer experiments were performed using artificially constructed light-responsive liposomes and cells. Based on a light-driven molecular machine composed of a diazocine core skeleton that responds to visible light and induces inward membrane penetration, nucleic acid transport by membrane fusion with liposomes to living cells was attempted. Although there were some differences depending on the cell type, in general, nucleic acid transport into cells was possible, and expression of proteins derived from the introduced nucleic acids was confirmed in the cells. We were able to establish the basis for a light-driven substance delivery technology that is different from conventional methods such as electroporation.

Free Research Field

生体関連化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

遺伝子導入は細胞を操作するうえで基盤となる技術である。従来、エレクトロポレーションやポリアミンを用いる遺伝子導入法が確立されてきた。光による遺伝子導入は、時空間制御や細胞への影響を小さく抑えられる可能性があるため、有用性が高いと期待される。難病に対する次世代治療技術して、細胞治療が期待されるなど、細胞操作の重要性は高まっている。その基盤技術を構築する基礎研究として、本研究の社会的意義は大きい。新たな細胞導入法を提供する点で、化学および生物学における学術的意義も大きいと考えられる。