title: Poly(ethylenimine) and its role in gene delivery.
abstract: Since the first published examination of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) as a gene delivery vehicle, there has been a flurry of research aimed at this polycation and its role in gene therapy. Here we will briefly review PEI chemistry and the characterization of PEI/DNA complexes used for gene delivery. Additionally, we will note various PEI transfection considerations and examine findings involving other polycationic gene delivery vehicles used with cellular targeting ligands. The current state of our knowledge regarding the mechanism of PEI/DNA transfection will also be discussed. Finally, we will survey toxicity issues related to PEI transfection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, P.O. Box 1892, MS 140, Houston, TX 77251-1892, USA.
authors.forename: W T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Godbey
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Mikos
mesh_terms: D018736:DNA Adducts; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D011094:Polyethyleneimine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry*; D014162:Transfection / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D018736:DNA Adducts; D008024:Ligands; D011094:Polyethyleneimine