Editing Tumor suppressor gene (section)

=== Non-viral methods ===
The non-viral method of transferring genetic material is used less often than the viral method.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":7" /> However, the non-viral method is a more cost-effective, safer, available method of gene delivery not to mention that non-viral methods have shown to induce fewer host [[Immune system|immune]] responses and possess no restrictions on size or length of the transferable genetic material.<ref name=":10" />  Non-viral gene therapy uses either chemical or physical methods to introduce genetic material to the desired [[Cell (biology)|cells]].<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":7" /> The chemical methods are used primarily for tumor suppressor gene introduction and are divided into two categories which are naked [[plasmid]] or [[liposome]]-coated plasmids.<ref name=":7" /> The naked plasmid strategy has garnered interest because of its easy to use methods.<ref name=":10" />  Direct [[Injection (medicine)|injection]] into the [[muscle]]s allows for the plasmid to be taken up into the cell of possible tumors where the genetic material of the plasmid can be incorporated into the genetic material of the tumor cells and revert any previous damage done to tumor suppressor genes.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":7" /> The liposome-coated plasmid method has recently also been of interest since they produce relatively low host [[immune response]] and are efficient with cellular targeting.<ref name=":7" /> The positively charged [[Vesicle (biology and chemistry)|capsule]] in which the genetic material is packaged helps with [[electrostatic attraction]] to the negatively charged [[Cell membrane|membranes]] of the cells as well as the negatively charged [[DNA]] of the tumor cells.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":7" /> In this way, non-viral methods of gene therapy are highly effective in restoring tumor suppressor gene function to tumor cells that have either partially or entirely lost this function.{{cn|date=March 2025}}