Novel liposomal vectors for an enhanced gene transfer in vitro

Highly efficient gene transfer methods are basic requirements for a successful gene therapy. Liposomal vectors based on cationic lipids have been proven to be an attractive alternative to viral vector systems concerning production and safety. The major disadvantage of liposomes is their distinct lower transduction rate. To improve the transduction efficiency in comparison with commercially available liposomal vector systems, we have synthesized two novel cationic lipids. In in vitro experiments with these novel liposomal vectors, we examined gene transfer efficiency and cytotoxicity. As controls we used the commercially available DC-Chol and FuGene™. We analyzed the cytotoxicity of our new lipids with a dual-reporter-gene-assay and gene transfer efficiency via FACS-analysis in seven gynaecological cancer cell lines. With the new lipids, in different cell lines we achieved equivalent or better transduction rates compared with the results obtained with DC-Chol or FuGene™. Apart from improved transduction rates, cytotoxicity was very low in all cases. These promising in vitro results led to further analysis of possible usability of our new lipids in in vivo experiments.