Heterogeneous PNA Liposomes for Gene Delivery
Abstract
To circumvent complications of DNA adsorption onto cationic liposomes (i.e. structural reorganization, cytotoxicity), we have developed a liposomal system that binds genetic material via hydrogen bonding interactions. These liposomes contain surfactants linked to peptide nucleic acid (PNA), a synthetic DNA mimic with unique DNA-binding properties. We target multiple short regions of the DNA strand, sequestering the DNA from nuclease in solution, to protect it from nuclease digestion. Here, we present zeta potential measurements quantifying the extent of PNA incorporation in the liposomes, as well as the extent of DNA binding and nuclease activity under various conditions for mixtures of di- and trinucleotide PNA. We also discuss our attempts to identify the minimal PNA oligomer length to achieve stable binding and sequence specificity.
- Publication:
-
APS March Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- March 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002APS..MARJ30002M