Abstract

Delivery of oligonucleotides (ONs) and genes to their intracellular targets is a prerequisite for their successful use in medical therapy. Cationic liposomes are among the most commonly used and promising delivery system for ONs and genes. Cationic-liposomes and their complexes with ON were characterized according to complex size, zeta potential measurements, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). It is successfully demonstrated that cationic liposomes, dispersed in 10% serum-containing growth medium, efficiently delivered ON to HeLa cells. Indeed, intact ON was found in the cytoplasm and nucleus only when delivered by cationic liposomes. The results suggest that cationic lipid-based delivery systems can be efficient for gene delivery if their biophysical properties can be properly controlled.

Key words: Cationic liposomes, HeLa cells, gene delivery, characterization.

Abbreviation

ONs, Oligonucleotides; TEM, transmission electron microscope; CLSM,confocal laser scanning microscope; DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid; DOTAP 1, 2 - dioleoyl-3 trimethylammonium-propane; FCS, fetal calf serum; PI, propidium iodide; DOPE,dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine.