DNA transfection: calcium phosphate method

The calcium phosphate transfection is a widely used method for introducing foreign DNA plasmids into cells. Mechanisms underlying this transfection method are not yet defined; however, DNA-calcium phosphate precipitates are internalized by the cells and DNA is efficiently expressed in almost all cell types. The cost-efficiency and simplicity of this method allows for use in primary neuronal cultures, despite issues of neurotoxicity. Here, we describe an optimized calcium phosphate transfection method for the delivery of DNA plasmid into primary dissociated neuronal cultures.