Gene transfer in the cardiovascular system: update 2000

It has been slightly more than 10 years since the first proof-of-concept studies were performed, which demonstrated the feasibility of gene transfer into the heart and vasculature of experimental animals. Since that time there has been a dramatic increase in the nature and sophistication of gene transfer techniques and also in the number of cardiovascular diseases that are potential targets for gene-based therapies. In this article, the authors review the current strategies for gene delivery, including viral and nonviral approaches. The authors also highlight several biologic processes within the cardiovascular system, including restenosis, experimental angiogenesis, heart failure, and atherosclerosis-conditions for which gene therapy shows promise. It is hoped that this will provide an update of this therapeutic strategy for the year 2000.