Main Difference – Transfection vs Transduction
Transfection and transduction are two methods used to introduce foreign DNA into cells. Both transfection and transduction are achieved by means of vectors. The main difference between transfection and transduction is that transfection is the transfer of DNA without using a virus as a vector whereas transduction is the transfer of DNA with the use of a viral vector. Transfection uses chemical and non-chemical based methods to transfer foreign DNA into the cells. Transformation is the third method of DNA transfer in which the absorption of genetic material occurs naturally through the cell membrane.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Transfection
– Definition, Mechanism, Types
2. What is Transduction
– Definition, Mechanism, Types
3. What are the Similarities Between Transfection and Transduction
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Transfection and Transduction
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms: Chemical Mediated Transfection, Foreign DNA, Generalized Transduction, Non Chemical-Based Transfection, Particle-Based Transfection, Specialized Transduction, Virus
What is Transfection
Transfection is a method of gene transfer in which the genetic material is deliberately introduced into another cell by using chemical, non-chemical or particle-based methods. The mechanism of transfection involves the creation of pores on the cell membrane, enabling the foreign DNA to pass into the host cell. The types of vectors used in the transfection are plasmids, cosmids, BACs, YACs or HACs. Based on the mechanism of creating pores, different types of transfection methods can be identified. The three types of transfection are chemical mediated transfection, non-chemical mediated transfection, and particle-based transfection. Non-chemical-based transfection through BAC is shown in figure 1.
Figure 1: Electroporation
Chemical mediated transfection uses calcium phosphate, cationic polymers, or liposomes. The non-chemical based transfection uses electroporation, impalefection, sonoporation, optical transfection or hydrodynamic delivery. The particle-based transfection uses the gene gun technique where the foreign DNA is transferred with the use of a nanoparticle. Magnetofection and nucleofection are the other two methods of particle-based transfection. In magnetofection, the particles that carry foreign DNA are concentrated into the host cell with the help of a magnetic field. In nucleofection, a heat shock is used to transfer foreign DNA into the host cell.
What is Transduction
Transduction is another method of gene transfer in which the genetic material is deliberately introduced into another cell with the help of viral vectors. Here, viral vectors are used as a tool to introduce foreign DNA to the target organism. The four types of viral vectors used in transduction are retroviruses, lentiviruses, adenoviruses, and adeno-associated viruses. Transduction is achieved through the typical viral reproduction mechanisms. Lysogenic cycle and lytic cycle are the two methods of viral reproduction. In the lysogenic cycle, the viral DNA joins the bacterial DNA and stays dormant in the following generations. The lytic cycle is then can be induced by external factors such as UV light. In lytic phase, the viral DNA and host DNA exist as separate entities in the cell. During the replication, both viral and host DNA are replicated by the host’s mechanisms of DNA replication, producing a large number of viral particles. This causes the lysis of the host cell, releasing new viral particles. During this process, both viral and host genes can be exchanged between the two genomes. Transduction can be done by two different methods based on the type of genetic material that is going to be transferred. They are generalized transduction and specialized transduction. Generalized and specialized transduction are shown in figure 2.
Figure 2: Types of Transduction
In generalized transduction, any bacterial genes can be transferred via the viral vectors to another host cell. In specialized transduction, only limited or selected set of genes can be transferred into another host cell.
Similarities Between Transfection and Transduction
- Transfection and transduction are two methods used to introduce foreign DNA into another cell.
- Different types of vectors are involved in both transfection and transduction.
- One of the main objectives of transfection and transduction is to study various functions of genes and gene products (proteins).
- Both transfection and transduction are used in medicine and gene therapy to correct genetic disorders.
Difference Between Transfection and Transduction
Definition
Transfection: Transfection is a method of gene transfer in which the genetic material is deliberately introduced into another cell by using chemical, non-chemical or particle-based methods.
Transduction: Transduction is a method of gene transfer in which the genetic material is deliberately introduced into another cell with the help of viral vectors.
Mediated by
Transfection: Transfection is mediated by chemical or non-chemical methods.
Transduction: Transduction is mediated by viral vectors.
Biological/Non-biological
Transfection: Transfection is a non-biological method.
Transduction: Transduction is a biological method.
Mechanism
Transfection: Transfection is achieved by the opening of transient pores in the cell membrane.
Transduction: Transduction is achieved by the infection of the host cell by a viral vector.
Type of Vectors
Transfection: Plasmids, cosmids, BACs, YACs or HACs can be used in transfection.
Transduction: Viral vectors such as retroviruses and lentiviruses are used in the transduction.
Types
Transfection: The three types of transfection are chemical mediated transfection, non-chemical mediated transfection, and particle-based transfection.
Transduction: The two types of transduction are generalized transduction and specialized transduction.
Conclusion
Transfection and transduction are two types of methods used to transfer foreign genetic material into another cell. Transfection is based on the chemical, non-chemical or particle-based methods while transfection is based on the viral vector-mediated methods. Therefore, the main difference between transfection and transduction is the type of mechanism used by each gene transfer methods to introduce foreign DNA into another cell.
Reference:
1. “Transformation, Transduction and Transfection –Gene transfer methods.” Login at Biotechnology Forums, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “BACs cloning vectors Chem114A” By Tinastella – (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Transduction illustration” by Momodou Bah (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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