What is the Difference Between Transient and Stable Transfection

The main difference between transient and stable transfection is that in transient transfection, the foreign gene does not integrate into the genome, whereas in a stable transfection, the foreign gene integrates into the genome. Furthermore, gene expression occurs over a short time period in transient transfection, while gene expression occurs for a longer period of time in stable transfection as foreign genes pass over generations.  

Transient and stable transfection are two methods of transfecting foreign genetic elements into a eukaryotic cell. Generally, both types of transfections have important applications in biotechnology. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Transient Transfection
     – Definition, Method, Importance
2. What is Stable Transfection
     – Definition, Method, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Transient and Stable Transfection
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Transient and Stable Transfection
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Gene Expression, Genome Integration, Reporter Genes, Stable Transfection, Transient Transfection

What is Transient Transfection 

Transient transfection is a type of transfection in which the foreign gene enters into the cell but, does not integrate into the genome. Therefore, the foreign gene does not undergo replication inside the eukaryotic cell. Hence, it will degrade over time while diluting through cell division. The main feature of transient transduction is that it allows only a short-term gene expression. 

Figure 1: Transient Transfection of GFP Fusion Protein into S2 Cells

Furthermore, in general, the vector used to transfect the gene also has a reporter gene, which allows the monitoring of the expression of the foreign gene inside the eukaryotic cell. Also, the reporter gene allows monitoring the presence of the foreign gene inside the cell. 

What is Stable Transfection 

Stable transfection is another type of transfection in which the foreign gene incorporates into the genome of the eukaryotic cell either by integrating into a chromosome or extra-chromosomal episomes. Therefore, the main feature of stable transfection is that it allows the foreign gene to pass over generations. Moreover, due to the integration into the genome, the foreign gene lasts for a longer period of time within the cell line, giving “a high and stable gene expression.

Figure 2: Stable Transfection

Furthermore, the integrating construct in the stable transfection contains selectable makers to identify the successful integration into the genome as well as the level of gene expression.  

Similarities Between Transient and Stable Transfection 

• Transient and stable transfection are two methods of introducing foreign genes into a eukaryotic cell. 
• The expression of foreign genes occurs in both methods. 
• Moreover, these methods have different applications in biotechnology. 

Difference Between Transient and Stable Transfection 

Definition 

Transient transfection refers to the method of transfection which does not take part in the integration of the foreign DNA into the genome of the eukaryotic cell while stable transfection refers to the method of transfection which takes part in the integration of foreign DNA into the genome of the eukaryotic cell. Thus, this explains the main difference between transient and stable transfection.

Time Taken for the Assay 

Moreover, transient transfection assays take 3-4 weeks to complete while stable transfection takes 12-18 weeks to complete. 

Genetic Change 

Transient transfection does not change in the eukaryotic cell while stable transfection makes a permanent genetic change in the eukaryotic cell. 

Passing to the Offspring 

Furthermore, transient transfection does not allow the passing of foreign DNA over generations while stable transfection allows foreign DNA to pass over generations. 

Period of Gene Expression 

Transient transfection allows gene expression for a short period of time up to 24 to 96 hours while stable transfection allows gene expression for a longer period of time. 

Expression Level 

While transient transfection has a relatively low level of expression, stable transfection has a high and stable expression. 

Cost 

Another difference between transient and stable transfection is that transient transfection is relatively inexpensive, while stable transfection is expensive. 

Applications  

Transient transfection is important for short-term gene expression studies including small-scale protein production and gene knockdown assays while stable transfection is important for long-term gene regulation, large-scale protein production, the generation of stable cell lines, gene therapy, etc. 

Conclusion 

In brief, transient transfection is a type of transfection in which the foreign gene does not integrate into the genome of the eukaryotic cell. Therefore, the foreign gene does not pass over generations of cells. Moreover, this type of transfection only allows the expression of the foreign gene only for a short period of time. On the other hand, stable transfection is another type of transfection in which the foreign gene permanently integrate into the genome of the eukaryotic cell. Therefore, the foreign gene passes over generations of cells. Also, the expression of the foreign gene occurs over a longer period of time. Hence, the main difference between transient and stable transfection is the integration of the foreign gene into the genome of the eukaryotic cell.

References:

1. “Transient versus Stable Transfection.” Cell Transfection, Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Transient transfection of S2 cells” By balapagos (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Knockout mouse production 2” By Kjaergaard – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia