Spatial patterning of gene expression using surface-immobilized recombinant adenovirus.

Spatially patterned gene expression drives tissue organization and is a critical determinant of tissue function. Approaches in functional tissue engineering will require not only the spatial organization of cells but also control of their gene expression patterns. We report a method to generate patterns of gene expression within a monolayer of cells by using surface-immobilized recombinant adenovirus. This study represents a new approach to engineering tissues that relies on controlling spatial patterns of gene expression, and can be used independently or in combination with positioning of different cell types. This technique may have broad applications in biotechnology including tissue engineering and targeted gene delivery.