Therapeutic gene delivery using bioreducible polymers

Arch Pharm Res. 2014 Jan;37(1):31-42. doi: 10.1007/s12272-013-0275-3. Epub 2013 Nov 1.

Abstract

Bioreducible polymers, which can be degraded in reducing environment due to the cleavage of internal disulfide bonds, have been developed for gene delivery systems. They show high stability in extracellular physiological condition and cytoplasm-specific release of genetic materials, as well as decreased cytotoxicity because cytoplasm is a reducing environment containing high level of reducing molecules such as glutathione. Based on these advantages, recently, many bioreducible polymers have been further investigated with therapeutic genes for the treatment of diseases and demonstrated promising results. This review will focus on the therapeutic gene delivery using bioreducible polymers and the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy for cancer, myocardial infarction, diabetes and miscellaneous diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / genetics
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / genetics
  • Diabetes Mellitus / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus / therapy
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Gene Transfer Techniques*
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Nanomedicine / methods*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • RNA / chemistry
  • RNA / metabolism*
  • RNA Interference

Substances

  • Polymers
  • RNA
  • DNA