title: Virus-Inspired Polymer for Efficient In Vitro and In Vivo Gene Delivery.
abstract: Clinical translation of nucleic acids drugs has been stunted by limited delivery options. Herein, we report a synthetic polymer designed to mimic viral mechanisms of delivery called VIPER (virus-inspired polymer for endosomal release). VIPER is composed of a polycation block for condensation of nucleic acids, and a pH-sensitive block for acid-triggered display of a lytic peptide to promote trafficking to the cell cytosol. VIPER shows superior efficiencies compared to commercial agents when delivering genes to multiple immortalized cell lines. Importantly, in murine models, VIPER facilitates effective gene transfer to solid tumors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
authors.forename: Yilong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
authors.forename: Roma C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Yumul
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA. spun@u.washington.edu.
authors.forename: Suzie H
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-1443-4996
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Pun
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004247:DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000235:genetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D011073:Polyamines / Q000737:chemistry*; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D014780:Viruses / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D004247:DNA; D011073:Polyamines; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes; D011108:Polymers
keywords: DNA release; VIPER; gene delivery; melittin; virus-inspired polymers