Synthetic and natural polycations for gene therapy: State of the art and new perspectives
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Data
2006-02-01
Autores
Tiera, M. J.
Winnik, F. M.
Fernandes, J. C.
Título da Revista
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Título de Volume
Editor
Bentham Science Publ Ltd
Resumo
Currently, the major drawback of gene therapy is the gene transfection rate. The two main types of vectors that. are used in gene therapy are based on viral or non-viral gene delivery systems. There are several non-viral systems that can be used to transfer foreign genetic material into the human body. In order to do so, the DNA to be transferred must escape the processes that affect the disposition of macromolecules. These processes include the interaction with blood components, vascular endothelial cells and uptake by the reticuloendothelial system. Furthermore, the degradation of therapeutic DNA by serum nucleases is also a potential obstacle for functional delivery to the target cell. Cationic polymers have a great potential for DNA complexation and may be useful as non-viral vectors for gene therapy applications. The objective of this review was to address the state of the art in gene therapy using synthetic and natural polycations and the latest strategies to improve the efficiency of gene transfer into the cell.
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Palavras-chave
polymers, nanoparticles, gene therapy, DNA, polycations
Como citar
Current Gene Therapy. Sharjah: Bentham Science Publ Ltd, v. 6, n. 1, p. 59-71, 2006.