Gene therapy for vascular disease.

Highly efficient methods that are now available allow for the genetic modification of cells that compose the vessel wall. The application of these gene transfer systems are already providing information that has enhanced our understanding of a variety of cellular processes relating to vascular biology. Recent experimental results using this technology also hold promise for more powerful therapeutic options in the treatment of vascular disease. This review discusses the most commonly used methods of gene transfer and details some current applications of these methodologies in animal models of vascular disease.