Cationic polymer based nanocarriers for delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids

The design and development of nucleic acids based therapeutics for the treatment of diseases arising from genetic abnormalities has made significant progress over the past few years. Advances in synthetic oligonucleotide chemistry resulted in synthesis of nucleic acids that are relatively stable in in vivo environments. However, cellular targeting and intracellular delivery of nucleic acids still remains a challenge. Further, development of nucleic acids based therapeutics depends on the progress of safe and effective carriers for systemic administration. Cationic vectors with diminished cytotoxicity and enhanced efficacy are rapidly emerging as systems of choice. These vectors protect nucleic acids from enzymatic degradation by forming condensed complexes along with targeted tissue and cellular delivery. During the past few years, myriad of reports have appeared reporting delivery of nucleic acids mediated by nanocarriers. This review provides an overview of various nanocarriers employed for in vitro and in vivo delivery of therapeutically relevant nucleic acids e.g., DNA, siRNA, LNA, PNA etc.