Objective: To investigate whether a reporter LacZ gene could be transferred into cultured ocular cells of human eyes in vitro.
Methods: Fibroblast cells of Tenon's capsule, trabecular meshwork cells, and muscle cells in the ciliary body of human eyes were cultured and the pcDNA3-LacZ gene was transferred into these cells using a cationic liposome delivery system. The cells were subsequently fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde, mixed with X-gal, then observed under a microscope.
Results: Blue stain was seen in the cytoplasm of the cultured cells under the microscope, demonstrating the successful transfer of the LacZ gene into these cells.
Conclusion: Reporter LacZ gene was easily transferred into the cultured ocular cells in vitro. This provides insights into the transfer of the genes into these cells to study the pathogenesis and therapy of glaucoma.