Degradable polyethylenimines as DNA and small interfering RNA carriers.
Gene therapy is a powerful approach in the treatment of a wide range of both inherited and acquired diseases. Nonviral delivery systems have been proposed as safer alternatives to viral vectors because they avoid the inherent immunogenicity and production problems that are seen when viral systems are used. Many cationic polymers, including high-molecular-weight polyethylenimine (PEI) have been widely studied as gene-delivery carriers, both, in vitro and in vivo. However, interest has recently developed in degradable polymeric systems. The advantage of degradable polymer is its low in-vivo cytotoxicity, which is a result of its easy elimination from the cells and body. Degradable polymer also enhances transfection of DNA or small interfering RNA (siRNA) for efficient gene expression or silencing, respectively. This review paper summarizes and discusses the recent advances with degradable PEIs, such as cross-linked and grafted PEIs for DNA and siRNA delivery.
Jere
D
D
Seoul National University, Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul 151-921, Korea.
Jiang
H L
HL
Arote
R
R
Kim
Y K
YK
Choi
Y J
YJ
Cho
M H
MH
Akaike
T
T
Cho
C S
CS
D000818:Animals; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry; D004247:DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004337:Drug Carriers; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D011094:Polyethyleneimine / Q000737:chemistry; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014162:Transfection
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D004337:Drug Carriers; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D011094:Polyethyleneimine; D004247:DNA