Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Transfer to Cardiac Myocytes In Vivo Using Catheter-Based Procedures

It is now expected that gene transfer to somatic cells will offer, in the future, a new therapeutic approach to correct various pathogenic processes, including those responsible for common acquired or degenerative diseases such as heart failure. Indeed, a number of recent studies have shown that adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to cardiac myocytes can improve cardiac contractility (1 –4 ). However, a number of methodologic obstacles still need to be overcome regarding, for instance, vector safety and infection efficiency, cardiac restriction and regulation of transgene expression, and, especially in terms of myocardial gene therapy, vector delivery procedures. Indeed, gene transfer to the myocardium should be as diffuse and homogeneous as possible, especially in heart failure therapy.