Transfection of a DNA/protein complex into nuclei of mammalian cells using polyoma capsids and electroporation

We used empty capsids of polyoma virus to transfer DNA fragments and DNA/protein complexes into human cells. We encapsulated labeled and unlabeled single stranded DNA fragments by viral capsids. A complex of DNA with a DNA binding protein, recA, will also be taken up by the capsids, whereas the free protein is not incorporated. We further compared this gentle biological method of DNA transfection with a well-established physical method, electroporation. Electroporation also allows the transfer of DNA as well as protein into cells, although there is no proof that a DNA/protein complex can survive the procedure functionally. Whereas the viability of capsid transfected cells is unaffected (100%), electroporation reduces the viability to 90-95%. On the other hand, the amount of DNA found in the nucleus of electroporated cells is higher than for cells treated with loaded viral capsids.