DEAE-dextran is generally used to obtain a burst of transient expression of cloned genes after transfection of mammalian cells. Many variants of the technique have been described, all of which seek to maximize the uptake of DNA and to minimize the cytotoxic effects of DEAE-dextran. In this method or protocol cells are exposed briefly to a high concentration of DEAE-dextran-DNA and then to chloroquine diphosphate, which is a facilitator of transfection.

Protocol: Transfection Mediated by DEAE-Dextran: High-efficiency Method Protocol