Cationic lipid-mediated gene transfer of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cDNA represents a promising approach for treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). Here, we report on the structures of several novel cationic lipids that are effective for gene delivery to the lungs of mice. An amphiphile (#67) consisting of a cholesterol anchor linked to a spermine headgroup in a "T-shape" configuration was shown to be particularly efficacious. An optimized formulation of #67 and plasmid vector encoding chloramphenicol acetyl-transferase (CAT) was capable of generating up to 1 microgram of CAT enzyme/lung following intranasal instillation into BALB/c mice. This represents a 1,000-fold increase in expression above that obtained in animals instilled with naked pDNA alone and is greater than 100-fold more active than cationic lipids used previously for CFTR gene expression. When directly compared with adenovirus-based vectors containing similar transcription units, the number of molecules of gene product expressed using lipid-mediated transfer was equivalent to vector administration at multiplicities of infection ranging from 1 to 20. The level of transgene expression in the lungs of BALB/c mice peaked between days 1 and 4 post-instillation, followed by a rapid decline to approximately 20% of the maximal value by day 7. Undiminished levels of transgene expression in the lung could be obtained following repeated intranasal administration of #67:DOPE:pCF1-CAT in nude mice. Transfection of cells with formulations of #67:DOPE:pCF1-CFTR generated cAMP-stimulated CFTR chloride channel and fluid transport activities, two well-characterized defects associated with CF cells. Taken together, the data demonstrate that cationic lipid-mediated gene delivery and expression of CFTR in CF lungs is a viable and promising approach for treatment of the disease.