Figure 8. In vivo gene expression and DNA copy number per diploid cell following tail vein injection of (A) CELiD-LacZnls or (B) Plasmid-LacZnls (pCMV-LacZnls).

1 µg of CELiD DNA or 10 µg of the circular plasmid DNA was administrated by hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Transfected livers were harvested and processed at days 1, 3, and 7, as well as 5 weeks post-injection. Histological samples were sectioned and stained to detect β-galactosidase activity (indicated by dark blue nuclei). Samples were counterstained with eosin. (C) CELiD-LacZnls and plasmid-LacZnls copy number per diploid cell in transfected livers. The DNA copy number was normalized based on the PCR quantification of the endogenous mouse glucagon gene, n = 3 to 4. (D) Comparative long-term transgene expression from constructs bearing a liver specific thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) promoter. CELiD-TBG-GFP or plasmid pTBG-GFP gene expression in liver section 10 weeks post-hydrodynamic tail vein injection. (E) CELiD-TBG-GFP and plasmid pTBG-GFP DNA copy number per diploid cell in transfected livers. The same amount of DNA (10 µg) was administrated by hydrodynamic injection. Statistical analysis by TTEST. ** indicates P<0.01.