Open AccessSelf-assembly of DNA-polymer complexes using template polymerization
Author(s) -
Vladimir S. Trubetskoy,
Vladimir G. Budker,
Lisa J. Hanson,
Paul M. Slattum,
Jon A. Wolff,
James E. Hagstrom
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
nucleic acids research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 9.008
H-Index - 537
eISSN - 1362-4954
pISSN - 0305-1048
DOI - 10.1093/nar/26.18.4178
Subject(s) - nucleic acid , dna , polymerization , monomer , polymer , dna condensation , biology , covalent bond , biophysics , ethylene glycol , chromatin , combinatorial chemistry , materials science , biochemistry , gene , chemistry , transfection , organic chemistry , composite material
The self-assembly of supramolecular complexes of nucleic acids and polymers is of relevance to several biological processes including viral and chromatin formation as well as gene therapy vector design. We now show that template polymerization facilitates condensation of DNA into particles that are <150 nm in diameter. Inclusion of a poly(ethylene glycol)-containing monomer prevents aggregation of these particles. The DNA within the particles remains biologically active and can express foreign genes in cells. The formation or breakage of covalent bonds has until now not been employed to compact DNA into artificial particles.
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