TRANSFECTION

Transfection is the process of inserting genetic material, such as siRNA, miRNA, piRNA and plasmid DNA into mammalian cancer cells. The insertion of DNA into a cell enables the expression of the coded protein using the cells typical protein production machinery. The transfected DNA must be transported into the nucleus for effective transfection where the DNA can be transiently expressed or become integrated into the cell's genomic DNA. With integration, the genetic alteration is passed on to future cells as it divides. Alternatively, RNA insertion into the cytoplasm of a cell is commonly used to down-regulate targeted proteins by stopping translation. There is an array of protocols and techniques available, including lipid transfection, chemical transfection and electroporation.