Transfection of Hippocampal Neurons with Plasmid DNA Using Calcium Phosphate Coprecipitation

INTRODUCTION

This protocol describes transfection of plasmid DNA into primary hippocampal neurons using DNA/calcium-phosphate (CaPO₄) coprecipitation. The precise pH of the transfection medium and the incubation time of cells with the coprecipitate are critical for reproducible and efficient transfection. Once these parameters are optimized for a given plasmid, the method is easily adapted for transfection of other established cell lines and primary cell cultures.