Efficient Gene Transfer to Hepatoblastoma Cells through Asialoglycoprotein Receptor and Expression under the Control of the Cyclin A Promoter.

Aramaki Y, Lee I, Arima H, Sakamoto T, Magami Y, Yoshimoto T, Moriyasu F, Mizuguchi J, Koyanagi Y, Nikaido T, Tsuchiya S.

Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science.

Specific gene delivery into hepatoma cells by liposomes and specific gene expression under the control of the cyclin A promoter were examined in HepG2 cells, a hepatoblastoma cell line that overexpresses cyclin A. A plasmid carrying the luciferase gene under the cyclin A promoter sequence was condensed with poly-L-lysine and encapsulated into anionic asialofetuin-labeled liposomes (AF-liposomes), which were preferentially taken up by hepatocytes through the action of the asialoglycoprotein receptor (AgpR). AF-liposomes delivered plasmids to the hepatoma cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis through the AgpR, and transgene expression could be achieved under the control of the cyclin A promoter. Furthermore, a fusogenic lipid, DOPE, as a liposomal component was required for the enhancement of transfection efficiency of AF-liposomes.