Calcium ions as efficient cofactor of polycation-mediated gene transfer

The importance of particle size and DNA condensation salt for calcium phosphate nanoparticle transfection

“…Also Haberland et al [27,29] demonstrated enhanced transfection rates of polylysine and histone protein in the presence of calcium ions. The H1-protein transfection was inhibited by addition of serum to the cell culture medium which was overcome by elevated levels of calcium ions and this may also be the case in our study [27].…”

Galactosylated chitosan/DNA nanoparticles prepared using water-soluble chitosan as a gene carrier

“…Other studies have investigated the role of Ca 2+ in increasing the rate of endocytosis and macromolecular nuclear uptake [43][44][45]. And it was suggested that Ca 2+ could facilitate endosomal release [46].…”

Chemistry specificity of DNA–polycation complex salt response: a simulation study of DNA, polylysine and polyethyleneimine

“…12 Furthermore, Ca 2+ ions are known to promote transfection, possibly by regulating the size or aggregation of the complexes, or by aiding in the release of the genetic material from the complex. [13][14][15] Indeed, we recently demonstrated the sensitivity of poly-L-lysine-DNA complexes to Ca 2+ ions and provided an atomistically detailed description of the dissociation mechanism via molecular simulations. 16 Therefore, the response of polycation-DNA complexes to small ions is a significant topic with direct implications to the design of efficient gene carriers.…”