Interaction of poly(ethylenimine)-DNA polyplexes with mitochondria: implications for a mechanism of cytotoxicity.

ABSTRACT: Poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) and PEI-based systems have been widely studied for use as nucleic acid delivery vehicles. However, many of these vehicles display high cytotoxicity, rendering them unfit for therapeutic use. By exploring the mechanisms that cause cytotoxicity, and through understanding structure-function relationships between polymers and intracellular interactions, nucleic acid delivery vehicles with precise intracellular properties can be tailored for specific function. Previous research has shown that PEI is able to depolarize mitochondria, but the exact mechanism as to how depolarization is induced remains elusive and therefore is the focus of the current study. Potential mechanisms for mitochondrial depolarization include direct mitochondrial membrane permeabilization by PEI o

SUBMITTER: Grandinetti G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3185119 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature