Microinjection free delivery of miRNA inhibitor into zygotes

The development of gene delivery systems into embryos is challenging due to technical difficulties, delivery efficiency and toxicity. Here, we developed an organic compound (VisuFect)-mediated gene delivery system for zygotes. The VisuFect, which is hydrophilic and Cy5.5-labeled, was conjugated with poly(A) oligo (VFA). The VFA into CHO cells showed clathrin-mediated internalization and no toxicity. The VFA successfully penetrated through the zona pellucida of fertilized eggs of various species including pigs, zebrafish, drosophilas and mice. The experiment with VisuFect-mediated delivery of the miR34c inhibitor showed similar results with direct microinjection of the miR34c inhibitor by suppressing the development of zygotes up to the blastocyst stage. Noticeable features of the VisuFect will provide great benefits for further studies on gene function in sperms and embryos.