Adding functional entities to plasmids

Non-viral gene therapy constitutes an alternative to the more common use of viral-mediated gene transfer. Most gene transfer methods using naked DNA are based upon non-sequence-specific interactions between the nucleic acid and cationic lipids (lipoplex) or polymers (polyplex). We have developed a technology in which functional entities hybridize in a sequence-specific manner to the nucleic acid (bioplex). This technology is still in its infancy, but has the potential to become a useful tool, since it allows the construction of highly defined complexes containing a variety of functional entities. In its present form the bioplex technology is based upon the use of peptide/nucleic acids (PNA) as anchors. Single, or multiple, functional entities are directly coupled to the anchors. By designing plasmids, or oligonucleotides, with the corresponding anchor target sequence, complexes with desired composition can easily be generated. The long-term aim is to combine functional entities in order to achieve optimal, synergistic interactions allowing enhanced gene transfer in vivo. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.