Tumor Targeting of Plasmid DNA by Dextran Conjugation Based on Metal Coordination

Tumor targeting of plasmid DNA was achieved through the conjugation of dextran derivative with chelate residue based on metal coordination. Spermine (Sm) was chemically introduced to the hydroxyl groups of dextran to obtain dextran-Sm derivative. A negative zeta potential of plasmid DNA became almost 0 mV by the Zn2+-coordinated conjugation with the dextran-Sm When the dextran-Sm-plasmid DNA conjugate with Zn2+ coordination was intravenously injected to mice subcutaneously bearing Meth-AR-1 fibrosarcoma, the dextran- Sm-plasmid DNA conjugate significantly enhanced the level of gene expression in the tumor, in contrast to free plasmid DNA..