In this study, we developed anionic polymer-coated liposome/siRNA complexes (lipoplexes) with chondroitin sulfate C (CS), poly-l-glutamic acid (PGA) and poly-aspartic acid (PAA) for siRNA delivery by intravenous injection, and evaluated the biodistribution and gene silencing effect in mice. The sizes of CS-, PGA- and PAA-coated lipoplexes were about 200?nm and their ?-potentials were negative. ...

Cationic lipids are conceptually and methodologically simple tools to deliver nucleic acids into the cells. Strategies based on cationic lipids are viable alternatives to viral vectors and are becoming increasingly popular owing to their minimal toxicity. The first-generation cationic lipids were built around the quaternary nitrogen primarily for binding and condensing DNA. A large number of li...

Since 1989 when the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis was cloned and designated the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, considerable progress has been made in the development of gene therapy for this disease. Clinical trials have already been performed using cationic liposome and adenoviral based gene transfer systems, measuring the safety and efficacy of this ne...

Nucleic acid-based therapy has become an increasingly important strategy for treating a variety of human diseases. In systemic therapy, a therapeutic gene must be delivered effi ciently to its target tissues without side effects. To deliver a therapeutic gene such as plasmid DNA (pDNA) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target tissues by systemic administration, cationic carriers such as catio...

We have synthesized a bimodal lipidic molecule bearing both fluorophore and contrast agent signatures on the same structure in order to create a robust bimodal liposome for both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence microscopy utility. The dual-modality concept considered in the synthesis of this new paramagnetic and fluorescent lipid is valuable in that anatomical information (MRI)...

GMC-5-193 (GMC) is a novel anticancer small-molecule quinazolinone analogue with properties that include antimicrotubule activity and inherent fluorescence. The aim of this study was to produce and optimize a systemically administered liposomal formulation for tumor-targeting delivery of GMC to enhance the anticancer effect of this compound and evaluate its bioefficacy. GMC was encapsulated wit...

Vaccinology is one of the most important cornerstones in modern medicine, providing better quality of life. The human immune system is composed of innate and adaptive immune processes that interplay when infection occurs. Innate immunity relies on pathogen-associated molecular patterns which are recognized by pathogen recognition receptors localized in antigen presenting cells. After antigen pr...