Gemini surfactants: New synthetic vectors for gene transfection
Author
Summary, in English
The superior surfactant properties of cationic gemini surfactants are applied to the complex problem of introducing genes into cells. Of almost 250 new compounds tested, of some 20 different structural types, a majority showed very good transfection activity in vitro. The surfactant is shown to bind and compact DNA efficiently, and structural studies and calculations provide a working picture of the lipoplex formed. The lipoplex can penetrate the outer membranes of many cell types, to appear in the cytoplasm encapsulated within endosomes. Escape from the endosome - a key step for transfection - may be controlled by changes in the aggregation behavior of the lipoplex as the pH falls. The evidence suggests that DNA may be released from the lipoplex before entry into the nucleus, where the new gene can be expressed with high efficiency.
Department/s
Publishing year
2003
Language
English
Pages
1448-1457
Publication/Series
Angewandte Chemie International Edition in English
Volume
42
Issue
13
Document type
Journal article review
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Topic
- Physical Chemistry
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0570-0833