Abstract
DNA can be delivered into the cell nucleus either using physical means or specific carriers that carry the genes into the cells for gene expression). Various carriers for delivering genes have been investigated which can be divided into two main groups: viral carriers where the DNA to be delivered is inserted into a virus, and cationic molecular carriers that form electrostatic interactions with DNA). Successful gene therapy depends on the efficient delivery of genetic materials into the cells nucleus and its effective expression within these cells). Although at present the in vivo expression levels of synthetic molecular gene vectors are lower than for viral vectors and gene expression is transient, these vehicles are likely to present several advantages including safety, lowimmunogenicity, capacity to deliver large genes and large-scale production at low-cost). The two leading classes of synthetic gene delivery systems that have been mostly investigated are cationic lipids and cationic polymers). This review discusses recent developments in viral vectors, physical means and molecular gene carriers). The last part focuses on our recent studies in developing a new series of biodegradable polycations for in vitro and in vivo gene transfection).
Keywords: gene therapy, gene delivery, cationic lipids, polycations, polysaccharide, spermine, conjugate
Current Drug Delivery
Title: Current Developments in Gene Transfection Agents
Volume: 1 Issue: 2
Author(s): Tony Azzam and Abraham J. Domb
Affiliation:
Keywords: gene therapy, gene delivery, cationic lipids, polycations, polysaccharide, spermine, conjugate
Abstract: DNA can be delivered into the cell nucleus either using physical means or specific carriers that carry the genes into the cells for gene expression). Various carriers for delivering genes have been investigated which can be divided into two main groups: viral carriers where the DNA to be delivered is inserted into a virus, and cationic molecular carriers that form electrostatic interactions with DNA). Successful gene therapy depends on the efficient delivery of genetic materials into the cells nucleus and its effective expression within these cells). Although at present the in vivo expression levels of synthetic molecular gene vectors are lower than for viral vectors and gene expression is transient, these vehicles are likely to present several advantages including safety, lowimmunogenicity, capacity to deliver large genes and large-scale production at low-cost). The two leading classes of synthetic gene delivery systems that have been mostly investigated are cationic lipids and cationic polymers). This review discusses recent developments in viral vectors, physical means and molecular gene carriers). The last part focuses on our recent studies in developing a new series of biodegradable polycations for in vitro and in vivo gene transfection).
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Cite this article as:
Azzam Tony and Domb J. Abraham, Current Developments in Gene Transfection Agents, Current Drug Delivery 2004; 1 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1567201043479902
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1567201043479902 |
Print ISSN 1567-2018 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5704 |
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