Sphingosine-mediated electroporative DNA transfer through lipid bilayers.

When the cationic sphingosine is present in planar lipid bilayers, the adsorption of pDNA is enhanced and the electroporatability of the bilayer is facilitated. Furthermore, pDNA, adsorbed to lipid bilayers composed of diphytanoyl lecithin and D-sphingosine causes electroporative channel-like events of conductance 1 to 7 pS, provided the voltage polarity is correct and the voltage is high enough, Vm > or = +30 mV. The data suggest electrotransport of pDNA through the bilayer, mediated by transient complexes between DNA and the lipids in the pore edges of elongated, electropercolated hydrophilic pore zones. The results are the basis for the optimisation of electroporative transfer of DNA or oligonucleotides to cells and tissue.