The nuclear pore complex : The gateway to successful nonviral gene delivery

• Published in: Pharmaceutical research Vol. 23; no. 3; pp. 447 - 459
• Main Authors: VAN DER AA, Marieke A. E. M, MASTROBATTISTA, Enrico, COSTING, Ronald S, HENNINK, Wim E, KONING, Gerben A, CROMMELIN, Daan J. A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Springer 01.03.2006; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Active Transport, Cell Nucleus; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cell division; Cell Nucleus - metabolism; Cytoplasm; DNA - genetics; DNA - metabolism; Gene expression; Gene Transfer Techniques; General pharmacology; Humans; Karyopherins - metabolism; Localization; Medical sciences; Nuclear Localization Signals - metabolism; Nuclear Pore - metabolism; Pharmaceutical technology. Pharmaceutical industry; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Polyethylene glycol; Proteins; Radiation; Netherlands; Nuclear pore; Pharmaceutical technology; nonviral gene delivery; nuclear pore complex; karyopherins; nuclear localization signal; Gene therapy; Genetic transfer
• ISSN: 0724-8741; 1573-904X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11095-005-9445-4

One of the limiting steps in the efficiency of nonviral gene delivery is transport of genetic material across the nuclear membrane. Trafficking of nuclear proteins from the cytoplasm into the nucleus occurs via the nuclear pore complex and is mediated by nuclear localization signals and their nuclear receptors. Several strategies employing this transport mechanism have been designed and explored to improve nonviral gene delivery. In this article, we review the mechanism of nuclear import through the nuclear pore complex and the strategies used to facilitate nuclear import of exogenous DNA and improve gene expression.