University of Utah Research Foundation

Expression Genetics, Inc.

Egen, Inc.

Darin Y Furgeson

Sung Wan Kim

Sang-Oh Han

Ram I Mahato

Linear polyethylenimine was modified with sterols, such as cholesterol, in three different geometries: linear shaped (L), T-shaped (T), and a combined linear- and T-shaped (LT), to result in linear polyethylenimine-sterol conjugates. These conjugates were mixed with nucleic acids to form complexes for delivery of the nucleic acids into cells. Mammalian cells transfected with these complexes showed protein expression levels higher than linear polyethylenimine alone, and twice that of branched polyethylenimine, but without any significant loss in cell viability. Methods of making these compositions and methods of using them for gene delivery are also described.

Linear polyethylenimine-sterol conjugates for gene delivery

A biodegradable, novel cationic lipopolymer comprising a branched polyethylenimine(PEI), a cholesterol derived lipid anchor, and a biodegradable linker which covalently links the branched PEI and cholesterol derived lipid anchor. One example of such a novel lipolymer is poly&lcub;(ethylene imine)-co-&lsqb;N-2-aminoehtyl)ethylene imine&rsqb;-co-&lsqb;N-(N-cholesteryloxycabonyl-(2-aminoethyl))ethylene imine&rsqb;&rcub; (&ldquo;PEACE&rdquo;). The cationic lipopolymers in the present invention can be used in drug delivery and are especially useful for delivery of a nucleic acid or any anionic bioactive agent to various organs and tissues after local or systemic administration. Methods of preparing and using the cationic lipopolymer gene carriers of the present invention to efficiently transfect cells, both in vitro and in vivo, are disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America

Darin Y Furgeson