Book Description

Recent years have witnessed an explosion of activity in the field of gene therapy. Following advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of disease, hopes are high that the tremendous potential market for drugs employing antisense nucleotides and genes will one day be fulfilled. However, many obstacles remain, not least problems in the technology of gene delivery systems. Much of today's research focuses on non-viral approaches to gene delivery. Of particular importance are supramolecular complexes formed between DNA and various natural and synthetic polymers and lipids, otherwise known as 'self-assembling complexes for gene delivery'. In view of this fact, the editors of this volume have assembled an international team of contributors to present up-to-date reviews of the major chemical, biological and clinical aspects of such gene delivery vectors. Reflecting the diversity of research in this field, this book comprehensively covers: * the principles of self-assembly * natural mechanisms for gene delivery to cells * cationic lipids and liposomes * polyelectrolyte DNA complexes * systemic biodistribution of drug delivery systems * targeting of conjugates for gene delivery * new approaches to gene delivery * clinical evaluation Self-assembling Complexes for Gene Delivery is an essential reference for all professionals with an interest in gene and antisense therapy or novel drug delivery systems, including medicinal and pharmaceutical chemists, clinicians, human geneticists, molecular biologists and pharmacologists.