Objective: To construct a kind of engineered cell secreting human GDNF and study its possible effects on gene therapy of Parkinson's disease.
Method: Human GDNF cDNA with Kozak sequence was cloned by RT-PCR, and then was transfected into SH-SY5Y cell line of human neuroblastoma. These engineered cells were co-cultured with primary mesencephalic cells of rats. Dopaminergic neurons were examined by immunohistochemistry.
Results: The number of dopaminergic neurons protected by engineered cells increased at least by 95.4% in comparison with the control cells (P < 0.01). The number of dopaminergic neurons protected by engineered cells against MPP+ toxicity increased 9.5-10.8 times (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: A kind of engineered SH-SY5Y cells secreting human GDNF has been constructed successfully. These cells obviously protect dopaminergic neurons against degeneration and MPP+ toxication and may play an important role in gene therapy of Parkinson's disease.