Adeno-associated virus vector mediated transduction of primary normal human breast epithelial cells

Cultured human breast epithelial cells from reduction mammoplasty specimens were transduced using an adeno-associated virus vector encoding the marker gene E. coli B-galactosidase. Subconfluent, growing, breast epithelial cells were more easily transduced than confluent, quiescent, cells. Transduction of non-dividing confluent cells could be greatly increased by ultraviolet light-induced DNA damage or by prior exposure to the DNA synthesis inhibitor hydroxyurea. The effects of ultraviolet light and hydroxyurea on transduction were additive when these agents were applied together.