Gene Transfer with Multivalent Synthetic Vectors

Abstract
Synthetic gene transfer vectors could be an attractive alternative to biological vehicles for gene therapy. Polyamine lipids, such as lipospermines are among the most powerful synthetic vectors. This high efficiency is probably related to their endosome buffering ability that could allow DNA to escape from enzymatic degradation. Indeed, this led us recently to discover a comparable transfection efficacy for a multicationic polymer, polyethyleneimine (PEI), that can also buffer the intra-endosomal space. We discuss here the transfection mechanism and the potential uses of these vectors.