Cell Uptake and Transfection Efficiency of DNA/Glycolipid Complexes

We developed DNA complexes with glycolipids which have sugar and amine at both ends of alkyl chain. The molecular weights of the DNA/glycolipid complexes and the conformation of the DNA strands were observed by the multi-angle light scattering method. Sugar recognition properties of the DNA complexes were confirmed by the aggregation induced by the lectin such as ConA and RCA120. The DNA complex having a galactose terminal was specifically taken up by hepatoma HepG2 cell, furthermore, it showed increase in transfection efficiency. The cell uptakes were influenced by the variety of the sugars on the surface of the DNA complex. The transfection efficiencies were influenced by the stoichiometry of DNA and glycolipid in addition to the variety of sugars.