Receptor-Mediated Gene Delivery Using PAMAM Dendrimers Conjugated with Peptides Recognized by Mesenchymal Stem Cells

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2010

Authors

Jose L Santos (Author) FCUP; Deepti Pandita (Author) Other; Joao Rodrigues (Author) Other; Ana P Pego (Author) FEUP; Pedro L Granja (Author) FEUP; Gary Balian (Author) Other; Helena Tomas (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Molecular Pharmaceutics

Vol. 7

Pages: 763-774

ISSN: 1543-8384

Publisher: American Chemical Society

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 93 Citations

Scopus - 95 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Other medical sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-76Y

DOI: 10.1021/mp9002877

Abstract (EN): As mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into multiple cell types, the delivery of exogenous genes to this type of cell can be an important tool in tissue regeneration and engineering. However transfection of MSCs using nonviral gene delivery vectors is difficult, the development of more efficient and safe DNA vehicles being necessary. Moreover, specific transfection of MSCs may be required to avoid unwanted side effects in other tissues. In this study, a novel family of gene delivery vectors based on poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers functionalized with peptides displaying high affinity toward MSCs was prepared. The vectors were characterized with respect to their ability to neutralize, bind and compact plasmid DNA (pDNA). The complexes formed between the vectors and pDNA were analyzed concerning their size, zeta-potential, capacity of being internalized by cells and transfection efficiency. These new vectors exhibited low cytotoxicity, receptor-mediated gene delivery into MSCs and transfection efficiencies superior to those presented by native dendrimers and by partially degraded dendrimers.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12