Hydrodynamic Renal Pelvis Injection for Non-viral Expression of Proteins in the Kidney

The overall goal of this surgical procedure is to produce protein expression from plasmid DNA in the adult mouse kidney. This method is a new tool to address key questions in nephrology, such as, how the expression of a protein of interest affects the adult kidney. The main advantage of this technique is that it produces protein expression in a reproducible way, specifically in the kidney, unlike other methods that may also produce gene expression in other organs.

Visual demonstration of this method is critical as injection of the renal pelvis requires careful exposure and must be done quickly in order for the plasma DNA to enter the cells. Start by resuspending plasmid DNA in the hydrodynamic delivery buffer. On a water circulated heat pad covered with a blue pad, place the mouse.