1.D.265.  The Non-Viral Gene Therapy using Membrane-active Peptide (NVGT-MP) Family

Non-viral gene therapy uses engineered nanoparticles in the virus size range for the cell-targeted delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids (Ferrer-Miralles et al. 2008). A diverse range of macromolecules are suitable for constructing such 'artificial viruses'. However, proteins, either man-made or from natural sources, are convenient for mimicking the viral functions critical for gene transfer. Cell penetration is a critical step for the delivery of nucleic acids in sufficient amounts and hence for reaching satisfactory transgene expression levels. Membrane-active peptides have shown great promise because of their positive role in cross-membrane transport and intracellular trafficking, and they have been incorporated into different artificial viruses. Ferrer-Miralles et al. 2008 discussed the biological properties of these peptides together with the newest rational approaches designed to optimize their application.