ABSTRACT
Effective non-viral gene carrier–DNA complexes should achieve well-controlled intracellular trafficking and be recognized by transcription factors after entering the cells. In other words, the complexes should possess supramolecular structures which are biologically active. It has become clear that the physicochemical characteristics of the DNA–carrier complex function through these various steps. The well-controlled and specialized supramolecular structures of the complexes must be the key factors for gene delivery. Detailed information on the structure–function correlation of the supramolecular complexes would permit further molecular design of novel and effective gene carriers. In this entry, various gene carriers are reviewed and the effects of the characteristics of supramolecular complexes on gene delivery efficiency are discussed, with a focus on polymeric gene carriers.
