Persistent Targeting DNA Nanocarrier Made of 3D Structural Unit Assembled from Only One Basic Multi-Palindromic Oligonucleotide for Precise Gene Cancer Therapy

Construction of a simple, reconfigurable, and stimuli-responsive DNA nanocarrier remains a technical challenge. In this contribution, by designing three palindromic fragments, a simplest four-sticky end-contained 3D structural unit (PS-unit) made of two same DNA components is proposed. Via regulating the rotation angle of central longitudinal axis of PS-unit, the oriented assembly of one-component spherical architecture is accomplished with high efficiency. Introduction of an aptamer and sticky tail warehouse into one component creates a size-change-reversible targeted siRNA delivery nanovehicle. Volume swelling of 20 nm allows one carrier to load 1987 siPLK1s. Once entering cancer cells and responding to glutathione (GSH) stimuli, siPLK1s are almost 100% released and original size of nanovehicle is restored, inhibiting the expression of PLK1 protein and substantially suppressing tumor growth (superior to commercial transfection agents) in tumor-bearing mice without systemic toxicity.

Self-Assembled Artificial DNA Nanocompartments and Their Bioapplications

Compartmentalization is the strategy evolved by nature to control reactions in space and time. The ability to emulate this strategy through synthetic compartmentalization systems has rapidly evolved in the past years, accompanied by an increasing understanding of the effects of spatial confinement on the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the guest molecules. DNA nanotechnology has played a pivotal role in this scientific endeavor and is still one of the most promising approaches for the construction of nanocompartments with programmable structural features and nanometer-scaled addressability. In this review, the design approaches, bioapplications, and theoretical frameworks of self-assembled DNA nanocompartments are surveyed. From DNA polyhedral cages to virus-like capsules, the construction principles of such intriguing architectures are illustrated. Various applications of DNA nanocompartments, including their use for programmable enzyme scaffolding, single-molecule studies, biosensing, and as artificial nanofactories, ending with an ample description of DNA nanocages for biomedical purposes, are then reported. Finally, the theoretical hypotheses that make DNA nanocompartments, and nanosystems in general, a topic of great interest in modern science, are described and the progresses that have been done until now in the comprehension of the peculiar phenomena that occur within nanosized environments are summarized.

DNA nanostructures directed by RNA clamps

DNA chains can be folded rationally by using DNA staples, and the programmed structures are of great potential in nanomaterial studies. However, due to the short DNA staples forming duplexes and displaying limitations in structural diversity and stability, the folded DNA nanostructures are usually generated with structural mis-formations, low yields and poor efficiencies, which can restrict their folding patterns and applications. To overcome these problems, we set out to use RNA as a clamp to form polygons, and herein demonstrated the ability to use a structural RNA-but not its corresponding DNA-to fold DNA chains into nanostructures with high efficiency (up to a 95.1% yield). Furthermore, we discovered that the 2'-methylated version of the RNA can, compared to the unmodified RNA, even more efficiently fold DNA chains (up to a 98.5% yield). Interestingly, the RNA clamp can fold DNA scaffolds with one, two or four folding units into the same square shape. Furthermore, the RNA can direct the DNA chains with three, four and five folding units into triangular, square and pentagonal nano-shapes, respectively. In addition, we confirmed their enlarged nano-shapes by performing electron microscopy (EM) imaging. These formed nanostructures revealed the potential cooperation between the DNA scaffold and RNA clamp. Moreover, our research demonstrated a novel strategy, involving using RNA clamps displaying structural diversity and duplex stability, for folding DNA into diverse nanostructures.

Tetrahedral DNA nanostructures for effective treatment of cancer: advances and prospects

Recently, DNA nanostructures with vast application potential in the field of biomedicine, especially in drug delivery. Among these, tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDN) have attracted interest worldwide due to their high stability, excellent biocompatibility, and simplicity of modification. TDN could be synthesized easily and reproducibly to serve as carriers for, chemotherapeutic drugs, nucleic acid drugs and imaging probes. Therefore, their applications include, but are not restricted to, drug delivery, molecular diagnostics, and biological imaging. In this review, we summarize the methods of functional modification and application of TDN in cancer treatment. Also, we discuss the pressing questions that should be targeted to increase the applicability of TDN in the future.

Programmably tiling rigidified DNA brick on gold nanoparticle as multi-functional shell for cancer-targeted delivery of siRNAs

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is an effective therapeutic to regulate the expression of target genes in vitro and in vivo. Constructing a siRNA delivery system with high serum stability, especially responsive to endogenous stimuli, remains technically challenging. Herein we develop anti-degradation Y-shaped backbone-rigidified triangular DNA bricks with sticky ends (sticky-YTDBs) and tile them onto a siRNA-packaged gold nanoparticle in a programmed fashion, forming a multi-functional three-dimensional (3D) DNA shell. After aptamers are arranged on the exterior surface, a biocompatible siRNA-encapsulated core/shell nanoparticle, siRNA/Ap-CS, is achieved. SiRNAs are internally encapsulated in a 3D DNA shell and are thus protected from enzymatic degradation by the outermost layer of YTDB. The siRNAs can be released by endogenous miRNA and execute gene silencing within tumor cells, causing cell apoptosis higher than Lipo3000/siRNA formulation. In vivo treatment shows that tumor growth is completely (100%) inhibited, demonstrating unique opportunities for next-generation anticancer-drug carriers for targeted cancer therapies.

DNA nanotechnology provides an avenue for the construction of programmable dynamic molecular systems

Self-assembled supramolecular structures in living cells and their dynamics underlie various cellular events, such as endocytosis, cell migration, intracellular transport, cell metabolism, and gene expression. Spatiotemporally regulated association/dissociation and generation/degradation of assembly components is one of the remarkable features of biological systems. The significant advancement in DNA nanotechnology over the last few decades has enabled the construction of various-shaped nanostructures via programmed self-assembly of sequence-designed oligonucleotides. These nanostructures can further be assembled into micrometer-sized structures, including ordered lattices, tubular structures, macromolecular droplets, and hydrogels. In addition to being a structural material, DNA is adopted to construct artificial molecular circuits capable of activating/inactivating or producing/decomposing target DNA molecules based on strand displacement or enzymatic reactions. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies on artificially designed DNA-based self-assembled systems that exhibit dynamic features, such as association/dis-sociation of components, phase separation, stimulus responsivity, and DNA circuit-regulated structural formation. These biomacromolecule-based, bottom-up approaches for the construction of artificial molecular systems will not only throw light on bio-inspired nano/micro engineering, but also enable us to gain insights into how autonomy and adaptability of living systems can be realized.

Self-Assembled Double-Bundle DNA Tetrahedron for Efficient Antisense Delivery

DNA nanostructures are promising biomaterials capable of arranging multiple functional components with nanometer precision. Here, a double-bundle DNA tetrahedron is rationally designed to integrate with antisense oligonucleotides silencing proto-oncogene c-raf and nuclear targeting peptides. The functionalized DNA tetrahedron can be internalized by A549 cells and assists the delivery of antisense oligonucleotides toward the nucleus to increase the chance to downregulate target mRNA in nucleus and cytoplasm. Antisense strands released from the tetrahedron in response to the intracellular reducing environment can inhibit cell proliferation at a low concentration without transfection reagent. Finally, efficient knockdown of c-raf gene is observed, which verified our design. This designer DNA-based nanocarrier system will open a new avenue for efficient delivery of nucleic acid drugs.

Programmable and Multifunctional DNA-Based Materials for Biomedical Applications

DNA encodes the genetic information; recently, it has also become a key player in material science. Given the specific Watson-Crick base-pairing interactions between only four types of nucleotides, well-designed DNA self-assembly can be programmable and predictable. Stem-loops, sticky ends, Holliday junctions, DNA tiles, and lattices are typical motifs for forming DNA-based structures. The oligonucleotides experience thermal annealing in a near-neutral buffer containing a divalent cation (usually Mg²⁺ ) to produce a variety of DNA nanostructures. These structures not only show beautiful landscape, but can also be endowed with multifaceted functionalities. This Review begins with the fundamental characterization and evolutionary trajectory of DNA-based artificial structures, but concentrates on their biomedical applications. The coverage spans from controlled drug delivery to high therapeutic profile and accurate diagnosis. A variety of DNA-based materials, including aptamers, hydrogels, origamis, and tetrahedrons, are widely utilized in different biomedical fields. In addition, to achieve better performance and functionality, material hybridization is widely witnessed, and DNA nanostructure modification is also discussed. Although there are impressive advances and high expectations, the development of DNA-based structures/technologies is still hindered by several commonly recognized challenges, such as nuclease instability, lack of pharmacokinetics data, and relatively high synthesis cost.

DNA-based nanoscaffolds as vehicles for 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine oligomers in colorectal cancer therapy

Fluoropyrimidines, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and related prodrugs, are considered one of the most successful agents in the treatment of colorectal cancer, yet poor specificity and tumor cell resistance remain the major limiting bottlenecks. Here, we exploited for the first time the ability of two DNA nanoscaffolds, a DNA tetrahedron (Td) and rectangle DNA origami, to incorporate 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FdUn) oligomers. In addition, cholesterol moieties were synthetically attached to Td and DNA origami staples to enhance cellular uptake. DNA nanostructures functionalized with FdUn exhibited an enhanced cytotoxicity and higher ability to trigger apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells relative to conventional 5-FU and FdU, especially having cholesterol as an internalization helper. The cholesterol content mostly correlates with the increase of the FdUn nanostructure cytotoxicity. DNA nanoscaffolds bearing FdUn were able to circumvent the low sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells towards 5-FU. Both DNA nanostructures attained a comparable cytotoxic effect yet Td displays higher antiproliferative action. The ability to reduce the proliferation of cancer cells is mainly related to the concentration of DNA nanostructures. The present work suggests that self-assembled DNA nanoparticles are privileged vehicles for delivering fluoropyrimidines, opening new avenues to the development of promising therapeutics for cancer treatment.

Nanocaged platforms: modification, drug delivery and nanotoxicity. Opening synthetic cages to release the tiger

Nanocages (NCs) have emerged as a new class of drug-carriers, with a wide range of possibilities in multi-modality medical treatments and theranostics. Nanocages can overcome such limitations as high toxicity caused by anti-cancer chemotherapy or by the nanocarrier itself, due to their unique characteristics. These properties consist of: (1) a high loading-capacity (spacious interior); (2) a porous structure (analogous to openings between the bars of the cage); (3) enabling smart release (a key to unlock the cage); and (4) a low likelihood of unfavorable immune responses (the outside of the cage is safe). In this review, we cover different classes of NC structures such as virus-like particles (VLPs), protein NCs, DNA NCs, supramolecular nanosystems, hybrid metal-organic NCs, gold NCs, carbon-based NCs and silica NCs. Moreover, NC-assisted drug delivery including modification methods, drug immobilization, active targeting, and stimulus-responsive release mechanisms are discussed, highlighting the advantages, disadvantages and challenges. Finally, translation of NCs into clinical applications, and an up-to-date assessment of the nanotoxicology considerations of NCs are presented.

Assembly and Assessment of DNA Scaffolded Vaccines

Vaccines play an important role in preventing many life-threatening infectious diseases. To meet the demand of vaccination for treating a wide range of diseases, rational vaccine design has been recognized as a desirable and necessary strategy for development of safe and effective vaccines. DNA nanostructures are advantageous in the design and construction of synthetic vaccines, owing to their robust self-assembly, programmability, and precision control in complex organization, as well as their intrinsic adjuvant activity. Here, we describe a modular assembly of DNA scaffolded vaccine complex, composing of a model antigen, streptavidin, and adjuvant, CpG oligonucleotide. The DNA-assembled vaccines were found to elicit strong antigen-specific antibody responses, but causing little or no adverse reactions. Conceivably, this vaccine platform can be further optimized for improved immunogenicity and extended to the construction of various subunit vaccines.

Quantum dot-loaded monofunctionalized DNA icosahedra for single-particle tracking of endocytic pathways

Functionalization of quantum dots (QDs) with a single biomolecular tag using traditional approaches in bulk solution has met with limited success. DNA polyhedra consist of an internal void bounded by a well-defined three-dimensional structured surface. The void can house cargo and the surface can be functionalized with stoichiometric and spatial precision. Here, we show that monofunctionalized QDs can be realized by encapsulating QDs inside DNA icosahedra and functionalizing the DNA shell with an endocytic ligand. We deployed the DNA-encapsulated QDs for real-time imaging of three different endocytic ligands-folic acid, galectin-3 (Gal3) and the Shiga toxin B-subunit (STxB). Single-particle tracking of Gal3- or STxB-functionalized QD-loaded DNA icosahedra allows us to monitor compartmental dynamics along endocytic pathways. These DNA-encapsulated QDs, which bear a unique stoichiometry of endocytic ligands, represent a new class of molecular probes for quantitative imaging of endocytic receptor dynamics.

Cellular processing and destinies of artificial DNA nanostructures

This review gives a panoramic view of the many DNA nanotechnology applications in cells, mechanistic understanding of how and where their interactions occur and their subsequent outcomes.

Wireframe and tensegrity DNA nanostructures

CONSPECTUS: Not only can triangulated wireframe network and tensegrity design be found in architecture, but it is also essential for the stability and organization of biological matter. Whether the scaffolding material is metal as in Buckminster Fuller's geodesic domes and Kenneth Snelson's floating compression sculptures or proteins like actin or spectrin making up the cytoskeleton of biological cells, wireframe and tensegrity construction can provide great stability while minimizing the material required. Given the mechanical properties of single- and double-stranded DNA, it is not surprising to find many variants of wireframe and tensegrity constructions in the emerging field of DNA nanotechnology, in which structures of almost arbitrary shape can be built with nanometer precision. The success of DNA self-assembly relies on the well-controlled hybridization of complementary DNA strands. Consequently, understanding the fundamental physical properties of these molecules is essential. Many experiments have shown that double-stranded DNA (in its most commonly occurring helical form, the B-form) behaves in a first approximation like a relatively stiff cylindrical beam with a persistence length of many times the length of its building blocks, the base pairs. However, it is harder to assign a persistence length to single-stranded DNA. Here, normally the Kuhn length is given, a measure that describes the length of individual rigid segments in a freely jointed chain. This length is on the order of a few nucleotides. Two immediate and important consequences arise from this high flexibility: single-stranded DNA is almost always present in a coiled conformation, and it behaves, just like all flexible polymers in solution, as an entropic spring. In this Account, we review the relation between the mechanical properties of DNA and design considerations for wireframe and tensegrity structures built from DNA. We illustrate various aspects of the successful evolution of DNA nanotechnology starting with the construction of four-way junctions and then allude to simple geometric objects such as the wireframe cube presented by Nadrian Seeman along with a variety of triangulated wireframe constructions. We examine DNA tensegrity triangles that self-assemble into crystals with sizes of several hundred micrometers as well as prestressed DNA origami tensegrity architecture, which uses single-stranded DNA with its entropic spring behavior as tension bearing components to organize stiff multihelix bundles in three dimensions. Finally, we discuss emerging applications of the aforementioned design principles in diverse fields such as diagnostics, drug delivery, or crystallography. Despite great advances in related research fields like protein and RNA engineering, DNA self-assembly is currently the most accessible technique to organize matter on the nanoscale, and we expect many more exciting applications to emerge.

Self-assembly of DNA nanotubes with defined diameters and lengths

Nanotubes with different sizes can be readily assembled from simple DNA nanomotifs, which consist of just a few unique DNA sequences. Such structurally well-defi ned DNA-nanotubes will have great potential in many technological applications ranging from drug delivery, to determination of biomacromolecular 3D structures, to nanoplasmonic devices.

Self-assembled DNA tetrahedral optofluidic lasers with precise and tunable gain control

We have applied self-assembled DNA tetrahedral nanostructures for the precise and tunable control of the gain in an optofluidic fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) laser. By adjusting the ratio of the donor and the acceptor attached to the tetrahedral vertices, 3.8 times reduction in the lasing threshold and 28-fold enhancement in the lasing efficiency were demonstrated. This work takes advantage of the self-recognition and self-assembly capabilities of biomolecules with well-defined structures and addressability, enabling nano-engineering of the laser down to the molecular level.

A DNA nanostructure platform for directed assembly of synthetic vaccines

Safe and effective vaccines offer the best intervention for disease control. One strategy to maximize vaccine immunogenicity without compromising safety is to rationally design molecular complexes that mimic the natural structure of immunogenic microbes but without the disease-causing components. Here we use highly programmable DNA nanostructures as platforms to assemble a model antigen and CpG adjuvants together into nanoscale complexes with precise control of the valency and spatial arrangement of each element. Our results from immunized mice show that compared to a mixture of antigen and CpG molecules, the assembled antigen-adjuvant-DNA complexes induce strong and long-lasting antibody responses against the antigen without stimulating a reaction to the DNA nanostructure itself. This result demonstrates the potential of DNA nanostructures to serve as general platforms for the rational design and construction of a variety of vaccines.

DNA polyhedra with T-linkage

This paper reports a strategy for DNA self-assembly. Cross-over-based DNA nanomotifs are held together by T-junctions instead of commonly used sticky-end cohesion. We have demonstrated this strategy by assembling a DNA tetrahedron, an octahedron, and an icosahedron. The resulting DNA polyhedra contain out-pointing, short DNA hairpin spikes. These hairpins are well-structured relative to the polyhedra core and provide potential locations for introduction of functional chemicals such as proteins and gold nanoparticles. The T-linked DNA polyhedra have been characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic light scattering.

The role of defects on the assembly and stability of DNA nanostructures

Defects are known to underlie the mechanical properties of materials, especially so at the nanoscale. Using four compositionally identical DNA triangles, defect density is found to be inversely correlated with assembly efficiency and melting temperature. These findings are supported by a series of experiments with more complex DNA pyramids. Because they are naturally responsive to stresses, defects present an attractive opportunity as design elements for responsive DNA materials.

Functional self-assembled DNA nanostructures for molecular recognition

Nucleic acids present a wonderful toolkit of structural motifs for nanoconstruction. Functional DNA nanostructures can enable protein recognition by the use of aptamers attached to a basic core shape formed by DNA self-assembly. Here, we present a facile, programmable strategy for the assembly of discrete aptamer-tagged DNA shapes and nanostructures that can function for molecular recognition and binding in an aqueous environment. These nanostructures, presented here to bind two different protein targets, are easily synthesized in large numbers, and are portable and stable over long periods of time. This construction modality can facilitate on-demand production of libraries of diverse shapes to recognize and bind proteins or catalyze reactions via functional nucleic acid tags.

Synthetic, biofunctional nucleic acid-based molecular devices

Structural DNA nanotechnology seeks to create architectures of highly precise dimensions using the physical property that short lengths of DNA behave as rigid rods and the chemical property of Watson-Crick base-pairing that acts as a specific molecular glue with which such rigid rods may be joined. Thus DNA has been used as a molecular scale construction material to make molecular devices that can be broadly classified under two categories (i) rigid scaffolds and (ii) switchable architectures. This review details the growing impact of such synthetic nucleic acid based molecular devices in biology and biotechnology. Notably, a significant trend is emerging that integrates morphology-rich nucleic acid motifs and alternative molecular glues into DNA and RNA architectures to achieve biological functionality.