Potential Usage of Human Artificial Chromosome for Regenerative Medicine

Human artificial chromosome (HAC) vectors can carry a gene or genes of interest. HACs have been generated mainly by either a “top-down approach” (engineered creation) or a “bottom-up approach” (de novo creation). HACs with one or more acceptor sites exhibit several characteristics required by an ideal gene delivery vector, including stable episomal maintenance and the capacity to carry large genomic loci plus their regulatory elements, thus allowing the physiological regulation of the introduced gene in a manner similar to that of native chromosomes. This mini-review introduces characteristics of engineered HAC and their ability to drive exogenous gene expression in cultured cells via microcell-mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT). A new avenue for regenerative medicine in the future is also proposed.