Polymers for gene delivery across length scales.
A number of human diseases stem from defective genes. One approach to treating such diseases is to replace, or override, the defective genes with normal genes, an approach called 'gene therapy'. However, the introduction of correctly functioning DNA into cells is a non-trivial matter, and cells must be coaxed to internalize, and then use, the DNA in the desired manner. A number of polymer-based synthetic systems, or 'vectors', have been developed to entice cells to use exogenous DNA. These systems work across the nano, micro and macro length scales, and have been under continuous development for two decades, with varying degrees of success. The design criteria for the construction of more-effective delivery vectors at each length scale are continually evolving. This review focuses on the most recent developments in polymer-based vector design at each length scale.
Putnam
David
D
Department of Biomedical Engineering and the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 270 Olin Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA. dap43@cornell.edu
D004247:DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry
D011108:Polymers; D004247:DNA