2015 Transport genetic material into eukaryotic cells
This invention relates to the use of a family of non-viral transfection agents to transport genetic material into the cell compounds, preventing degradation thereof.
The University has patented a family of compounds that functions as a nonviral transfection agent, allowing to introduce any genetic material into eukaryotic cells. Gene therapy is an alternative for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, Parkinson, Alzheimer, etc. and this tool allows the transport of genetic material with low toxicity to the transferred cells and other tissues.
Description
Transfection is the process of introducing external genetic material into eukaryotic cells using plasmids, viral vectors and other tools. The patented invention consists in the synthesis of a simple and small sized compound, with low toxicity, and capable of associating and condensing nucleic acids of diverse nature and sizes (such as plasmid DNA or siRNA), allowing its transport into the cell and preventing degradation thereof. Once inside the cell the compound is labile, and releases the available nucleic acid to enable it to perform its function. The main application of the technology is the development of a kit or a set of reagents for their use in assays related to gene therapy.
Main advantages
- New non-viral transfection vehicle capable of transporting any type of genetic material
- Set of data showing a substantial improvement with respect to other products already in the market
- Low cost synthesis method
Innovations
- Higher transfection efficiency and lower levels of toxicity
- A stock of compounds can be maintained, for a year in a solid state or for more than 2 years if they are dissolved
- The samples may be frozen and defrost repeatedly without any loss in their transfection capacity
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