Regulation of endocytosis by non-viral vectors for efficient gene activity

Non-viral carriers, able to regulate cellular uptake pathways are becoming promising vectors for efficient gene transfer into cells because the intracellular processing of gene is strongly determined by the internalization pathways and subsequent intracellular routes. The intracellular processing of gene can be directed either to digestive or non-digestive way depending on the endocytosis mechanism. Enormous attempts have been made to bypass or avoid the digestive way of lysosomal degradation for meaningful delivery of therapeutic genes at the target site. This review describes an updated information regarding regulation of endocytosis pathways in consequence with the cellular trafficking and the determinant factors of the initial mode of internalization route for rational design of non-viral gene carriers. Firstly, we describe various nonviral gene vectors and the key barriers to non-viral gene transfer. Secondly, various major endocytosis pathways and their significance in developing non-viral gene carriers are discussed. Thirdly, various factors that potentially regulate endocytosis pathways of gene carriers to improve gene delivery efficacy are elaborately described. Lastly, the perspectives of future studies to control endocytosis mechanisms are discussed to design potential non-viral gene vectors for active application in future.