Comparison of the absolute and relative efficiencies of electroporation-based transfection protocols for Plasmodium falciparum.

Horrocks

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Several electroporation protocols exist to transfect exogenous DNA into Plasmodium falciparum. To date, however, only a subjective analysis of their relative efficiencies has been reported. METHODS: A time-course of luciferase reporter expression is used to provide an objective quantitative analysis of the absolute efficiency of three electroporation techniques; direct electroporation of ring stage infected erythrocytes, preloading of erythrocytes and a novel "double-tap" protocol that combines both approaches. RESULTS: Preloading of erythrocytes shows a mean efficiency of 9.59 x 10(-6), some 5-180 fold more efficient than matched experiments utilizing the "double-tap" and direct electroporation of ring stage infected erythrocytes alone, respectively. CONCLUSION: Evidence presented here provides the first quantitative assessment of both the absolute and relative efficiencies of a key molecular tool used to study the biology and pathogenesis of this important human pathogen.

Citation

Horrocks. (2012). Comparison of the absolute and relative efficiencies of electroporation-based transfection protocols for Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria Journal, 210 - ?. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-11-210

• Acceptance Date: Jun 21, 2012
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2012
• Journal: Malaria Journal
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Pages: 210 - ?
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-11-210
• Keywords: luciferase, electroporation, transfection efficiency, malaria
• Publisher URL: http://www.malariajournal.com/content/11/1/210