Gene transfection in primary stem-like cells of giant cell tumor of bone

Abstract

Shalini Singh1, Isabella Mak1, Patricia Power1, Melissa Cunnigham2, Robert Turcotte3, Michelle Ghert11Departments of Surgery, 2Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario; 3Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McGill University Medical Centre, Montreal, Quebec, CanadaAbstract: The neoplastic stem-like stromal cell of giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) survives for multiple passages in primary culture with a stable phenotype, and exhibits multipotent characteristics. The pathophysiology of this tumor has been studied through the primary culture of these cells. However, successful gene transfer of these cells has not been reported to date. In this short report, we describe the development of the first reported technique that results in efficient gene transfection in primary stem-like cells of GCT.Keywords: gene, transfection, primary cells, TWIST, giant cell tumor