A dendrimer-like DNA-based vector for DNA delivery: a viral and nonviral hybrid approach

Methods Mol Med. 2006:127:115-25. doi: 10.1385/1-59745-168-1:115.

Abstract

DNA can be used as a generic delivery vector in addition to its genetic role as a antigen expression vector. This is inspired in part by the fact that DNA molecules are true polymers. Surprisingly, DNA molecules have not been used as a delivery vector material. This is probably due to the fact that almost all DNA have only two shapes: linear or circular. This chapter details our efforts in fabricating highly branched dendrimer-like DNA (DL-DNA) that may serve as a multivalent DNA delivery vector. Just like chemical dendrimers, DL-DNA is multi-valent and monodisperse. However, unlike traditional chemical dendrimers, DL-DNA is much larger (~100 nm, generation 4) and can be designed to be nonsymmetric as well. Most importantly, DL-DNA possesses two unique properties: anisotropicity and biodegradability, making multiple, specific conjugations of viral peptides possible. Our method suggests that viral-pep-tide conjugated DL-DNA vectors can deliver genes into cells without any other transfection reagents. This viral-nonviral hybrid system can be further tailored to specific cells by conjugating specific ligands. We believe that such a DL-DNA-based, viral, and nonviral hybrid assembly will provide a new platform for drug delivery in general and gene delivery in particular.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dendrimers / chemistry*
  • Gene Transfer Techniques*
  • Genetic Vectors / chemistry*
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Vaccines, DNA / chemistry*
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry*

Substances

  • Dendrimers
  • Peptides
  • Vaccines, DNA
  • Viral Proteins