Progress and prospects: the design and production of plasmid vectors

Gene Ther. 2009 Feb;16(2):165-71. doi: 10.1038/gt.2008.183. Epub 2009 Jan 8.

Abstract

Plasmid DNA (pDNA) expression vectors are fundamental to all forms of non-viral gene transfer. In this review, we discuss principles of pDNA design and production including the impact of bacterially derived sequences on transgene expression and minicircle approaches to minimize their effects. The impact of inclusion of DNA elements such as scaffold matrix attachment regions (S/MARs), transcription factor (TF)-binding sites and tissue-specific promoters are described. The benefits of eliminating CG dinucleotides (CpGs) from the pDNA are also considered.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Design
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Genetic Vectors / chemical synthesis*
  • Humans
  • Inverted Repeat Sequences / genetics
  • Plasmids / chemical synthesis*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • Transgenes / genetics