Optimal transfection conditions and the safety profiles of dextran spermine/plasmid DNA as potential gene transfer vector to mouse airway.

• Main Authors: Rosli, Rozita, Wendy-Yeo, W.Y., Veerakumarasivam, Abhinanyu, Abdul Rahman, Sabariah, Domb, A. J., Abdullah, Syahrilnizam
• Format: Article
• Language: English; English
• Published: Malaysian Medical Association 2010
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15952/1/Optimal%20transfection%20conditions%20and%20the%20safety%20profiles%20of%20dextran%20spermine.pdf; http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15952/; http://www.mma.org.my/

The emergence of gene therapy offers a new paradigm to the field of molecular medicine. However, current viral and non-viral gene transfer vectors are not efficient and often restricted by doselimiting toxicity. Thus, generation of a new gene delivery vector, which is efficient and with good safety profile is highly required. In this study, optimal transfection conditions and safety profile a novel biodegradable cationic polymerdextran-spermine (DSPM) in mouse airways were ascertained. The highest level of gene expression in the lungs of BALB/c mice was detected at D-SPM to plasmid DNA (pDNA) weight ratio (w/w) of 16, with 13.5 µg pDNA. No significant induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the broncho alveolar lavage fluids was observed, which implies no overt toxicity occurred in the mouse lungs. In short, these results demonstrate that D-SPM has moderate gene transfer efficiency but with acceptable safety profile in the mouse airways.