Title:DNAzyme Delivery Approaches in Biological Settings
VOLUME: 20 ISSUE: 28
Author(s):Cecilia W.S. Chan and Levon M. Khachigian
Affiliation:Centre for Vascular Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
Keywords:Carrier, cationic, catalytic, DNAzymes, delivery, gene therapy, liposomes, nanoparticles, RNA cleavage,
therapeutic.
Abstract:DNAzymes are DNA-based catalytic molecules that have potential use in a range of disorders where the targeted
gene plays an important role in disease pathogenesis. DNAzymes are at a comparatively early developmental stage
as alternatives to conventional therapies. The biological action of DNAzymes on target mRNA requires efficient delivery
into target cells and this hurdle has hampered their broader use, particularly in systemic settings. DNAzymes have been
delivered in naked form without a carrier or combined with agents such as polymers and liposomes. This article reviews
these and other delivery approaches and offers perspectives on future methodologies for improved DNAzyme delivery
and utility as novel drugs.
