ABSTRACT
Gene transfer, the introduction and expression o f recombinant genes in host cells, offers novel approaches to the study and treatment of vascular diseases. Considerable interest in gene transfer has fostered the development o f meth odologies for the delivery o f recombinant genes to vascular endothelial and smooth-muscle cells in vitro and in vivo. To date, gene transfer to the vasculature has been employed largely for two purposes: 1) the examination of biological function and the regulation o f sequences that control gene expression and 2) the development o f animal models o f vascular disease. In these animal models, the pathophysiology o f vascular disease can be studied, and potential new therapies can be developed.
