ABSTRACT
Gene transfection can have several applications. In addition to genetic engineering and gene therapy, a major interest in modern biology is to understand the function of various genes. Therefore, gene expression or its blockage can yield important data on gene and protein functionality. Due to their ability to protect encapsulated DNA molecules against nucleases and to deliver the encapsulated material across cell membranes, conventional liposomes were tried as delivery vehicles for DNA and RNA. The best results were obtained with phosphatydylserine-cholesterol liposomes with a highly negatively charged surface. A bottom-line conclusion is that conditions for effective transfection can be optimized and that practically any cell type can be transfected. Optimal lipid compositions, liposomes, and charge ratios of genosomes as well as concentrations have to be determined for each particular cell line. The chapter reviews in vivo applications of genosomes via parenteral, including systemic and localized delivery, and pulmonary delivery.
