Published In

Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry

Document Type

Post-Print

Publication Date

2010

Subjects

Gene therapy, Contrast media (Diagnostic imaging), Magnetic resonance imaging, Reporter genes, Transfection

Abstract

Gene therapy is a potentially powerful treatment approach that targets molecular remedies for disease. Among other challenges it remains difficult to monitor gene delivery and its downstream metabolic consequences. Approaches to MRI gene reporters have been reported but few have the potential for translation beyond isolated cell systems. Herein, we report a polycationic polymer MRI contrast agent that binds to DNA in a ratio of one monomer unit per phosphate group of DNA. Significantly, this binding event diminishes the MR contrast signal from the agent itself potentially providing a platform for imaging delivery and release of a gene into cells and tissues. Importantly, we demonstrate here the proof of concept that a positively charged polymeric contrast agent can also act as a transfection agent, delivering the gene for encoding green fluorescent protein into cells. These observations provide support for the radical, new idea of creating a combined transfection/imaging agent for monitoring gene delivery in real time by MRI.

Description

This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, 2010 Dec 7;8(23):5333-8. doi: 10.1039/c0ob00087f.

© The Royal Society of Chemistry 2010

DOI

10.1039/c0ob00087f

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/32392

Included in

Chemistry Commons

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