Gene Delivery and Transfection Studies with Lipopolyplexes in Human Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells

摘要

Non-viral gene delivery and transfection in primary human vascular endothelial cells (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) has tremendous potential for cardiovascular diseases, such as in the treatment of coronary restenosis. Previous work has shown that the use of DNA pre-condensation with cationic polymers improves transfection in these cell types, . A representative hydrophobic pH- sensitive poly(beta amino ester) (PBAE) has previously been used to transfect cells, . By using a pH-responsive DNA pre-condensing agent, we hypothesize that more efficient release can occur in the endosoma/lyososomal compartments and DNA stability will be improved. Using a combination of PBAE and cationic phospholipids (DOTAP), we have designed lipopolyplex nanovector systems that has shown to transfect EC and SMC efficiency and with significantly less