Intracellular gene delivery is dependent on the type of non-viral carrier and defined by the cell surface glycosaminoglycans.

Intracellular limiting steps and molecules involved in internalization and intracellular routing of non-viral gene delivery systems are still poorly understood. In this study, the intracellular kinetics of three different gene delivery systems calcium phosphate precipitates (CaP), polyethyleneimine (PEI) and N-[1-(2,3-dioleyl)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTAP)) were quantified at cellular, nuclear, transcriptional and translational levels by using qRT-PCR. Additionally, a role of cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) was evaluated by performing the aforementioned studies in cells devoid of GAGs (pgsB-618) and cells lacking heparan sulphate (HS).

Endothelium-specific overexpression of human vascular endothelial growth factor-D in mice leads to increased tumor frequency and a reduced lifespan.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are central mediators in vascular development and lymphangiogenesis. VEGF-D contributes to the growth and formation of blood and lymphatic vessels, although its biological role is still somewhat unclear.

Methods: Transgenic mice, which express the mature form of human VEGF-D under endothelium-specific Tie1 promoter, were produced by the lentiviral perivitelline-injection method.