Gene delivery: intelligent but just at the beginning

J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2004;15(9):1181-202. doi: 10.1163/1568562041753016.

Abstract

Gene therapy is used to treat genetic disorders, which may be achieved both ex vivo and in vivo. Gene-delivery systems usually include a carrier system which both protects the gene expression plasmid and allows its extracellular and intracellular trafficking. Viruses are used in most of the clinical trials today; however, they do have important drawbacks. Non-viral vectors based on lipids, water-soluble polycations, other non-condensing polymers and nano- or microparticles/capsules have been proposed. Cationic polymers, especially carrying novel targeting ligands. are receiving increasing attention. Intelligent polymers with temperature, pH, and light sensitivities for a controllable and effective non-viral transfection have recently been introduced but are just at the beginning. Our preliminary studies showed that block copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide-acrylic acid with poly(ethylene imine) could be one example of these novel non-viral vectors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Drug Carriers* / chemistry
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Light
  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Plasmids / administration & dosage
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Polyamines / chemistry
  • Polyelectrolytes
  • Polymers
  • Temperature
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Drug Carriers
  • Lipids
  • Polyamines
  • Polyelectrolytes
  • Polymers
  • polycations