It does get in: Phage is made of DNA as a core and protein as a coat, and it can transfer DNA into host cells with high efficiency. Phage-mimetic gene transfer to hard-to-transfect mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was achieved using virus-mimetic magnetic silica nanoclusters (VMSNCs). The VMSNCs bear MSC-homing phage-borne protein on the surface and encapsulate DNA inside, promoting the transfer of DNA into MSCs.
Keywords: gene delivery; nanoparticles; phage display; stem cells; virus mimetics.
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