INVESTIGATION OF MAR ELEMENT AND TRANSPOSON COMBINATION ON TRANSGENE INTEGRATION AND EXPRESSION

In this thesis project, we tested if the inclusion of a MAR (matrix attachment region) in the piggyBac transposon system may lead to efficient and safer transgene integration and ensure reliable stable and long-term expression of a transgene. The MAR-containing transposon construct was tested in CHO cells, for biotechnology applications, and in Mesoangioblast precursor cells, which can differentiate into muscle cells and are important candidates for future stem cell therapy for myopathic patients. We showed that the addition of the MAR 1-68 in the piggyBac transposon does not interfere with transposition, thereby maintaining high frequency of transgene integrations in these cells. Moreover, it seems that this association leads to higher transgene expression from fewer transposon integration events.