Optimization of adult sensory neuron electroporation to study mechanisms of neurite growth

The study focuses on improving a method called electroporation to introduce genes into adult sensory neurons, specifically dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The goal is to enhance the understanding of how these neurons grow and survive, particularly after injuries affecting nerve regeneration. The optimized method aims to increase the number of successfully modified neurons while reducing the need for large numbers of animals and minimizing exposure to substances like serum that could affect results.

• 1
  The Lonza 4D-Nucleofector X-unit system achieved transfection efficiencies of 39–42%, significantly higher than previous methods for adult DRG neurons.
• 2
  The optimized protocol requires fewer cells (3 × 105 cells per reaction) and less DNA (2 μg DNA per reaction) and allows for serum omission post-transfection.
• 3
  DR114 electroporation code resulted in the highest transfection rate.