Quinine copolymer reporters promote efficient intracellular DNA delivery and illuminate a protein-induced unpackaging mechanism.

ABSTRACT: Polymeric vehicles that efficiently package and controllably release nucleic acids enable the development of safer and more efficacious strategies in genetic and polynucleotide therapies. Developing delivery platforms that endogenously monitor the molecular interactions, which facilitate binding and release of nucleic acids in cells, would aid in the rational design of more effective vectors for clinical applications. Here, we report the facile synthesis of a copolymer containing quinine and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate that effectively compacts plasmid DNA (pDNA) through electrostatic binding and intercalation. This polymer system poly(quinine-co-HEA) packages pDNA and shows exceptional cellular internalization, transgene expression, and low cytotoxicity compared to commercial controls

SUBMITTER: Van Bruggen C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7777095 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature