Bipartite vectors for co-expression of a growth factor cDNA and short hairpin RNA against an apoptotic gene.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although human islet transplantation is a promising approach for treating type I diabetes, its success is limited as a result of the poor survival rate of transplanted islets. Expression of a growth factor gene to promote revascularization and silencing of pro-apoptotic genes before transplantation may improve the outcome of islet transplantation.

Methods

In the present study, we constructed bipartite plasmid vectors to co-express a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) cDNA and short hairpin (sh)RNA targeting inducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene. First, we screened shRNA sequences against human iNOS by transfecting plasmids encoding shRNA targeting different start sites of human iNOS. Then, the effect of different promoters [such as H1, U6 and cytomegalovirus (C

SUBMITTER: Li F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2943228 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature