In ovo transfection of chicken embryo hearts using lipofectamine for functional gene analysis

Cardiac anomalies are the most prevalent congenital malformations among live births worldwide. Functional in vivo studies are required to understand the role of genes involved in such malformations, relying on gene delivery into model organisms. In this context, chicken embryos are a good model as they are amniotes as humans and their hearts can be genetically modified through procedures like electroporation. However, electroporation can cause cardiovascular problems in embryos due to the application of electric current for DNA internalization. Therefore, research to develop more efficient and safe gene delivery methodologies is paramount.