DNA release dynamics from reducible polyplexes by atomic force microscopy.

ABSTRACT: Controlled intracellular disassembly of polyelectrolyte complexes of polycations and DNA (polyplexes) is a crucial step for the success of nonviral gene delivery. Motivated by our previous observation of different gene delivery performances among multiblock reducible copolypeptide vectors ( Manickam, D. S. ; Oupicky, D. Bioconjugate Chem. 2006, 17, 1395- 1403 ), atomic force microscopy is used to visualize plasmid DNA in various decondensed states from reducible polypeptide polyplexes under simulated physiological reducing conditions. DNA decondensation is triggered by reductive degradation of disulfide-containing cationic polypeptides. Striking differences in DNA release dynamics between polyplexes based on polypeptides of histidine-rich peptide (HRP, CKHHHKHHHKC) and nuclear localization

SUBMITTER: Wan L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2825055 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature