title: Enhancing nucleic acid delivery by photochemical internalization.
abstract: Photochemical internalization (PCI) is a method for releasing macromolecules from endosomal and lysosomal compartments. The PCI approach uses a photosensitizer that localizes to endosomal and lysosomal compartments, and a light source with appropriate light spectra for excitation of the photosensitizer. Upon photosensitizer excitation, endosomal and lysosomal membranes are destroyed, due to the formation of reactive oxygen species, followed by release of the endocytosed material. PCI has been demonstrated to enhance and control (site- and time-specific) delivery of various macromolecules such as viruses, proteins, chemotherapeutics, nucleic acid, and so on. In this Review we present past and current studies of PCI-controlled delivery of natural and artificial nucleic acids, such as peptide nucleic acids, siRNA molecules, mRNA molecules and plasmids. We also discuss critical aspects to further the possibilities for successful gene targeting in space and time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Tumor Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, NO-0310 Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Sigurd Leinæs
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Bøe
authors.forename: Eivind
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hovig
mesh_terms: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D011992:Endosomes / Q000378:metabolism*; D008247:Lysosomes / Q000378:metabolism*; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D010777:Photochemistry; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D009696:Nucleic Acids; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering