Transient Transfection

Transient transfection is a technique used to introduce foreign genetic material into a cell. The material is usually DNA or RNA, sometimes in the form of a plasmid, and the cell is usually a mammalian cell. Transient transfection is a valuable tool for research into gene activity and regulation, allowing scientists to rapidly assess the effects of introducing a given gene or gene regulatory element and to study the effects of gene expression. Additionally, transient transfection can be used to study protein interactions, cell-signaling pathways, and post-transcriptional control of gene expression. Transient transfection is also used in a number of biotechnological applications, such as producing vaccines and protein-based drugs, and has potential applications in gene therapy.