Brain-specific gene expression by immortalized microglial cell-mediated gene transfer in the mammalian brain

The intra-arterial injection of immortalized microglia transfected with the lacZ gene, resulted in the expression of beta-galactosidase in the rat brain at 48 h and the activity of beta-galactosidase was detected for up to 3 weeks post-injection. More than 30-fold higher activity of beta-galactosidase was detected in the brain than in the liver, lung or spleen at 48 h post-injection. This method allows us to easily deliver the gene of interest to the brain without influencing other organs. Our brain-targeting gene delivery system can facilitate gene therapy of several brain disorders, including brain tumor, metabolic disorders, and degenerative disorders, as well as investigation into the roles of particular genes in brain function and development. (C) 1998 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.