Manipulating the genetic identity and biochemical surface properties of individual cells with electric-field-induced fusion.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
; 97(1): 7-11, 2000 Jan 04.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-10618361
ABSTRACT
A method for cell-cell and cell-liposome fusion at the single-cell level is described. Individual cells or liposomes were first selected and manipulated either by optical trapping or by adhesion to a micromanipulator-controlled ultramicroelectrode. Spatially selective fusion of the cell-cell or cell-liposome pair was achieved by the application of a highly focused electric field through a pair of 5-micrometer o.d. carbon-fiber ultramicroelectrodes. The ability to fuse together single cells opens new possibilities in the manipulation of the genetic and cellular makeup of individual cells in a controlled manner. In the study of cellular networks, for example, the alteration of the biochemical identity of a selected cell can have a profound effect on the behavior of the entire network. Fusion of a single liposome with a target cell allows the introduction of the liposomal content into the cell interior as well as the addition of lipids and membrane proteins onto the cell surface. This cell-liposome fusion represents an approach to the manipulation of the cytoplasmic contents and surface properties of single cells. As an example, we have introduced a membrane protein (gamma-glutamyltransferase) reconstituted in liposomes into the cell plasma membrane.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Cell Fusion
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Year:
2000
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Sweden
Publication country:
EEUU
/
ESTADOS UNIDOS
/
ESTADOS UNIDOS DA AMERICA
/
EUA
/
UNITED STATES
/
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
/
US
/
USA