Electroporation in Clinical Applications—The Potential of Gene Electrotransfer and Electrochemotherapy
Katarzyna Rakoczy, Monika Kisielewska, Mikołaj Sędzik, Laura Jonderko, Julia Celińska, Natalia Sauer, Wojciech Szlasa, Jolanta Saczko, Vitalij Novickij, Julita Kulbacka
Abstract
Electroporation (EP) allows for the transport of molecules into the cytoplasm with significant effectiveness by forming transient pores in the cell membrane using electric pulses. This can be used for cellular transport (RE—reversible electroporation) or ablation (IRE—irreversible electroporation). The first of described options fortifies medicine with novel possibilities: electrochemotherapy (ECT), which creates promising perspectives for cancer treatment, and gene electrotransfer (GET), a powerful method of DNA delivery as well as immunogen electrotransfer. The review constitutes a comprehensive explanation of the mechanism of EP in the case of GET, its present and prospective employment in medicine, including gene delivery, vaccinations, therapy, and transfection, are also presented.