Myocardial gene transfer.

Recent improvements in both gene transfer vectors and in vivo gene delivery techniques have facilitated genetic manipulation of myocardial function and enabled targeted therapy of animal models of cardiac disease and, in particular, heart failure. Increases in myocardial perfusion, improved calcium handling, and enhanced beta-adrenergic receptor signaling have all been achieved by gene transfer in animal models, and appear to be important determinants of myocardial function. Increased understanding of the molecular etiologies of myocardial disease processes combined with advances in vectors and gene delivery will facilitate the development of novel therapies and represent important progress in the effort to make myocardial gene therapy a clinical reality beyond experimental protocols.