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Virus‐Inspired Polymer for Efficient In Vitro and In Vivo Gene Delivery
Author(s) -
Cheng Yilong,
Yumul Roma C.,
Pun Suzie H.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201605958
Subject(s) - nucleic acid , gene delivery , viper , chemistry , lytic cycle , in vitro , microbiology and biotechnology , viper venoms , peptide , virus , gene , biochemistry , biology , genetic enhancement , virology , venom , snake venom
Abstract Clinical translation of nucleic acids drugs has been stunted by limited delivery options. Herein, we report a synthetic polymer designed to mimic viral mechanisms of delivery called VIPER (virus‐inspired polymer for endosomal release). VIPER is composed of a polycation block for condensation of nucleic acids, and a pH‐sensitive block for acid‐triggered display of a lytic peptide to promote trafficking to the cell cytosol. VIPER shows superior efficiencies compared to commercial agents when delivering genes to multiple immortalized cell lines. Importantly, in murine models, VIPER facilitates effective gene transfer to solid tumors.