[Gene transfer into the mammalian inner ear using a RNAi non-viral vector].

Objective: To explore the possibility of local application of RNAi technique in inner ear of the living mammalian.

Method: The left ear was set as the experimental ear and the right ear in the same animal model was for the control. The vector mixed with cationic polymer was infused through the round window, its expression was measured by immunofluorescence. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) were recorded 1 d, 3 d and 7 d after the infusion respectively.

Result: The expression of the vector was detected 1 d after the infusion and still remained 7 d post-infusion. The hearing loss existed temporarily 1 day post-infusion and eliminated afterward.

Conclusion: The RNAi non-viral vector can express in the inner ear harmlessly and is probably a promising tool for the down regulation gene therapy in the future.