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Polymeric Carriers for Transporting Nucleic Acids—Contributions to the Field

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New Trends in Macromolecular and Supramolecular Chemistry for Biological Applications

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Abstract

In order to correct the genetic defects that are fundamental reasons for many pathologies, gene therapy uses exogenous nucleic acids for intentional modulation of gene expression in specific cells. Due to the large size and the negative charge of exogenous nucleic acids, the delivery of these macromolecules is typically mediated by carriers or vectors. Viral carriers are known to be very efficient however, they have a severe drawbacks such as toxicity and immunogenicity. In this regard, gene-based therapy using non-viral approaches has drawn increasing attention, and has become an important field of research. The diversity of materials used as of non-viral vectors known today highlights the recent progress of gene-based therapy using non-viral approaches. Herein, we describe the progress made by our group in the development of hybrid vectors that combine key features of classical carriers design rationally or formed by combinatorial approach using dynamic chemistry which are remarkable strategies to address the current challenges in gene delivery.

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Abbreviations

pDNA:

Plasmid DNA

siRNA:

Small interfering RNA

β-CD:

β-Cyclodextrin

bPEI:

Branched poly(ethyleneimine)

PEG:

Poly(ethylene glycol)

pLuc:

Luciferase plasmid

pGFP:

Green fluorescent protein plasmid

CDC:

Constitutional dynamic chemistry

DCF:

Dynamical constitutional frameworks

dsDN:

Duble stranded DNA

TE:

Transfection efficiency

Girard’s reagent T:

(Carboxymethyl)trimethylammonium chloride hydrazide

HeLa:

Human cervix adenocarcinoma

DF:

Dynameric frameworks

HEK 293T:

Human embryonic kidney 293T cells

pEGFP:

Enhanced green fluorescent protein plasmid

N/P:

Nitrogen/phosphorus

AFM:

Atomic force microscopy

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Acknowledgements

This publication is part of a project that has received funding from the H2020 ERA Chairs Project no 667387: SupraChem Lab Laboratory of Supramolecular Chemistry for Adaptive Delivery Systems ERA Chair initiative.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers, “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487, Iasi, Romania

    Lilia Clima, Andrei Ioan Dascalu, Bogdan Florin Craciun & Mariana Pinteala

Authors
  1. Lilia Clima
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  2. Andrei Ioan Dascalu
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  3. Bogdan Florin Craciun
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  4. Mariana Pinteala
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lilia Clima .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. SupraChem Lab, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi, Romania

    Marc J.M. Abadie

  2. SupraChem Lab, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi, Romania

    Mariana Pinteala

  3. SupraChem Lab, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi, Romania

    Alexandru Rotaru

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Clima, L., Dascalu, A.I., Craciun, B.F., Pinteala, M. (2021). Polymeric Carriers for Transporting Nucleic Acids—Contributions to the Field. In: J.M. Abadie, M., Pinteala, M., Rotaru, A. (eds) New Trends in Macromolecular and Supramolecular Chemistry for Biological Applications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-57456-7_7

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