Eukaryotic gene transfer with liposomes: effect of differences in lipid structure

Liposome mediated gene transfer has a great potential in gene therapy. In this review we discuss the physical and chemical properties of cationic liposomes that affect their abilities to mediate gene transfer into eukaryotic cells. The specific focus is on functional domains of cationic lipids. We address polar head variations, counterions, linker bonds, acyl chain variations, as well as composition of liposomes. We additionally discuss different functional groups of lipids affecting lipid bilayer packing, lipid association with DNA, fusion with the cellular membranes and the release of transferred DNA from endosomes into the cytoplasm.