中文摘要：

DNA缩合不仅是自然界常见的生理现象，也是非病毒载体介导基因转染的关键步骤。了解DNA体外缩合的性质与特征，将有助于设计出高效的非病毒转基因载体。本文综述了近十几年来以多价阳离子为缩合剂诱发的DNA体外缩合的研究进展，着重介绍了缩合的机理、过程、影响缩合的因素以及应用于转基因的最新成果。

英文摘要：

DNA condensation is a common physiological phenomenon in nature and also a key step in non-viral vector-mediated gene transfection. Understanding the characteristics of DNA condensation in vitro will aid in designing highly efficient non-viral vectors. In this article, the latest progress in the study of DNA condensation in vitro induced by multivalent cations is reviewed covering the mechanism, process, influencing factors of DNA condensation and its recent applications in gene transfection.