Polymeric Carrier Systems for siRNA Delivery

P.      Vader; L.      J. van der Aa; G.      Storm; R.      M. Schiffelers; J.      F.J. Engbersen

doi:10.2174/156802612798919123

Abstract

RNA interference is a technique to induce sequence-specific gene silencing, but is hampered by inefficient delivery of its mediator, short interfering RNA, into target cells. This review describes recent advances in siRNA delivery using polymeric carrier systems. Structural variations that have been applied to these polymers for optimizing their intracellular trafficking are discussed, as well as strategies for stabilization and targeting to diseased tissues in vivo. Recent findings have highlighted safety issues that need to be taken into account in the design of nanoparticles for clinical application.

Keywords: siRNA, delivery, polymers, RNA interference, polyplexes, endosomal escape, in vivo, target cells, safety, mammalian cells, non-target sites, pharmacokinetics, amido amine, natural and synthetic polymers, intermolecular forces