title: Targeted delivery of plasmid DNA into the nucleus of cells via nuclear localization signal peptide conjugated to DNA intercalating bis- and trisacridines.
abstract: Efficient nuclear targeting via nonviral delivery of DNA is still an unmet challenge in gene therapy. We have synthesized a novel 9-aminoacridine amino acid monomer that conveniently allows multiple acridines to be incorporated into peptide conjugates. In particular we have prepared bis- and trisacridine conjugates of nuclear localization signal peptide (NLS) ((Acr)2-NLS and (Acr)3-NLS) and studied these as functional transporters for the nuclear delivery of DNA. We show that these conjugates can enhance transfection efficacy as well as nuclear localization of plasmid DNA by more than 50-fold when combined with polyethylenimine at an N:P ratio of 2-3. These conjugates have high reversible affinity for double stranded DNA by intercalation and the technique provides a simple means of associating NLS with DNA of any sequence and at any ratio.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biochemistry and Genetics, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3c, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
authors.forename: Takehiko
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shiraishi
authors.forename: Ramin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hamzavi
authors.forename: Peter E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Nielsen
mesh_terms: D000166:Acridines / Q000737:chemistry*; D001692:Biological Transport; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism*; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D024202:Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay; D019913:Nuclear Localization Signals / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D010957:Plasmids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D014162:Transfection
chemical_list: D000166:Acridines; D019913:Nuclear Localization Signals; D004247:DNA