VECTORS FOR GENE DELIVERY THAT PERSIST WITHIN CELLS

摘要

Disclosed herein are vectors for delivery of nucleic acid sequence into a target cell. The vectors are non-viral DNA constructs. The vectors have at least one DD-ITR, and complementary copies of the nucleic acid sequence operatively linked to regulatory elements that promote expression. The construct has covalently closed ends having a hairpin structure, and persists within the recipient cells as they divide. Delivery of the vector to the target cell results in sustained expression of the nucleic acid sequences in the target cell. Also disclosed are DNA vector constructs having at least one synthetic ITR, wherein the DNA construct forms linear DNA with hairpin covalently closed ends. Methods of generating the constructs and introducing target cells to thereby promote sustained expression of the nucleic acid sequences contained therein, are also disclosed. Further disclosed are cells and populations thereof, which contain the vectors.