A novel approach for gene transduction with adenovirus vector and the fibrin glue system

Background: The fibrin glue system (FGS) consists of liquid forms of fibrinogen and thrombin and is used widely in surgery for hemostasis. In this study, as a novel and unique approach, the possibility and efficacy of locoregional gene transfer using the FGS containing an adenoviral vector was determined. Materials and Methods: The optimum concentration of the adenoviral vector mixed with the FGS (AxCALacZ/FGS) for gene transduction was evaluated in vitro by X-gal (β-galactosidase) staining and NIH (National Institute of Health) imaging in RCN-9, a rat colon carcinoma cell line. To determine the survival period of the adenoviral vector in the fibrin glue, RCN-9 cells were exposed to AxCALacZ/FGS after it had been incubated for various periods and the transduction efficiencies were evaluated by β-galactosidase (β-gal) assay. AxCALacZ/FGS was also applied in vivo to the resected site of rat liver. AxCALacZ diluted in PBS (AxCALacZ/PBS) was used as the control. The transduction efficiencies in the liver were compared by X-gal staining and β-gal assay. Results: Almost 100% transgene expression was demonstrated by the X-gal staining and NIH imaging at a concentration level greater than 1 multiplicity of infection. LacZ expression (as β-galactosidase) revealed gene-transduced RCN-9 cells when the AxCALacZ/FGS was held for a period of less than 96 hours. The treatment with the AxCALacZ/FGS in vivo resulted in greater transgene expression than the treatment with AxCALacZ/PBS. Conclusion: The adenoviral vector survives and remains stable in the FGS for sufficient time for transduction to occur and AxCALacZ/FGS can efficiently transduce the target gene both in vitro and vivo.