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Li Q, Gao C, Shen X, Xing D. Graphene oxide-functionalized molecular beacon for real-time interference-free detection of Ki-67 mRNA in living cells. Talanta 2024; 278:126538. [PMID: 39002264 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Molecular beacons (MBs) based on hairpin-shaped oligonucleotides are captivating owing to their capability to enable effective real-time detection of cytosolic mRNA in living cells. However, DNase in the nucleus and lysosome could induce the degradation of oligonucleotides in MBs, leading to the generation of false-positive signals. Herein, a graphene oxide (GO) nanosheet was applied as a nanocarrier for MBs to greatly enhance the anti-interference of the easily designed nanoprobe. Advantageously, the absorption capacity of GO for MBs increased with the decrease in pH values, providing the MB-GO nanoprobe with the ability to detect the expression of cytosolic Ki-67 mRNA without interference from DNase Ⅱ in lysosomes. Moreover, the size of GO nanosheets was considerably higher than that of the nuclear pore complex (NPC), which prevented nanoprobes from transition through the NPCs, thereby avoiding the generation of false-positive signals in the nucleus. Altogether, the present work affords a convenient approach for the successful detection of Ki-67 mRNA expression in the cytosol without interference from DNase Ⅰ/Ⅱ in the nucleus/lysosome, which may be potentially further applied for the detection of other cytosolic RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Cancer Institute, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Chihao Gao
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco-chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China; Institute of High Performance Polymers, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Xin Shen
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco-chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China; Institute of High Performance Polymers, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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Wang G, Zhang M, Lai W, Gao Y, Liao S, Ning Q, Tang S. Tumor Microenvironment Responsive RNA Drug Delivery Systems: Intelligent Platforms for Sophisticated Release. Mol Pharm 2024. [PMID: 39056442 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a significant health concern, increasingly showing insensitivity to traditional treatments, highlighting the urgent need for safer and more practical treatment options. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) gene therapy drugs have demonstrated promising potential in preclinical and clinical trials for antitumor therapy by regulating tumor-related gene expression. However, RNA's poor membrane permeability and stability restrict its effectiveness in entering and being utilized in cells. An appropriate delivery system is crucial for achieving targeted tumor effects. The tumor microenvironment (TME), characterized by acidity, hypoxia, enzyme overexpression, elevated glutathione (GSH) concentration, and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), is essential for tumor survival. Furthermore, these distinctive features can also be harnessed to develop intelligent drug delivery systems. Various nanocarriers that respond to the TME have been designed for RNA drug delivery, showing the advantages of tumor targeting and low toxicity. This Review discusses the abnormal changes of components in TME, therapeutic RNAs' roles, underlying mechanisms, and the latest developments in utilizing vectors that respond to microenvironments for treating tumors. We hope it provides insight into creating and optimizing RNA delivery vectors to improve their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Mengxia Zhang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Weiwei Lai
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Shuxian Liao
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Qian Ning
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Shengsong Tang
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
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Jia J, Yang J, Qian L, Zhou B, Tang X, Liu S, Wu L, Chen J, Kuang Y. Controlled siRNA Release of Nanopolyplex for Effective Targeted Anticancer Therapy in Animal Model. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:1145-1161. [PMID: 38344438 PMCID: PMC10859097 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s443636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Spatiotemporally controlled release of siRNA for anti-tumor therapy poses significant challenges. Near-infrared (NIR) light, known for its exceptional tissue penetration and minimal tissue invasiveness, holds promise as a viable exogenous stimulus for inducing controlled siRNA release in vivo. However, the majority of light-responsive chemical bonds exhibit absorption wavelengths in the ultraviolet (UV) or short-wavelength visible light range. Methods To achieve NIR-controlled siRNA release, the study synthesized a UV-sensitive triblock copolymer cRGD-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(aspartic acid ester-5-(2'-(dimethylamino)ethoxy)-2-nitrobenzyl alcohol)-b-polyphenylalanine, abbreviated as cRGD-PEG-PAsp(EDONB)-PPHE. This copolymer is composed of a cRGD-capped PEG block (cRGD-PEG), a poly(aspartate) block modified with cationic moieties through UV-cleavable 2-nitrobenzyl ester bonds [PAsp(EDONB)], and a hydrophobic polyphenylalanine block (PPHE). The cationic amphiphilic polymer cRGD-PEG-PAsp(EDONB)-PPHE can assemble with hydrophobic upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to form a cationic micelle designated as T-UCNP, which subsequently complexes with siRNA to create the final nanopolyplex T-si/UCNP. siRNA-PLK1 was employed to prepare T-PLK1/UCNP nanopolyplex for anti-tumor therapy. Results T-PLK1/UCNP not only exhibited outstanding tumor cell targeting through cRGD modification but also achieved 980 nm NIR-controlled PLK1 gene silencing. This was achieved by utilizing the encapsulated UCNPs to convert NIR into UV light, facilitating the cleavage of 2-nitrobenzyl ester bonds. As a result, there was a significant suppression of tumor growth. Conclusion The UCNPs-encapsulated nanopolyplex T-si/UCNP, capable of co-delivering siRNA and UCNPs, enables precise NIR-controlled release of siRNA at the tumor site for cancer RNAi therapy. This nanopolyplex can enhance the controllability and safety of RNAi therapy for tumors, and it also holds the potential to serve as a platform for achieving controlled release and activation of other drugs, such as mRNA and DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchao Jia
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangyin Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Wuxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Yang
- Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Leimin Qian
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangyin Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Wuxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Biao Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangyin Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Wuxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangyin Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Wuxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuanghai Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangyin Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Wuxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, People’s Hospital of Shanggao, Yichun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jifeng Chen
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuting Kuang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Kim K, Park MH. Role of Functionalized Peptides in Nanomedicine for Effective Cancer Therapy. Biomedicines 2024; 12:202. [PMID: 38255307 PMCID: PMC10813321 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptide-functionalized nanomedicine, which addresses the challenges of specificity and efficacy in drug delivery, is emerging as a pivotal approach for cancer therapy. Globally, cancer remains a leading cause of mortality, and conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy, often lack precision and cause adverse effects. The integration of peptides into nanomedicine offers a promising solution for enhancing the targeting and delivery of therapeutic agents. This review focuses on the three primary applications of peptides: cancer cell-targeting ligands, building blocks for self-assembling nanostructures, and elements of stimuli-responsive systems. Nanoparticles modified with peptides improved targeting of cancer cells, minimized damage to healthy tissues, and optimized drug delivery. The versatility of self-assembled peptide structures makes them an innovative vehicle for drug delivery by leveraging their biocompatibility and diverse nanoarchitectures. In particular, the mechanism of cell death induced by self-assembled structures offers a novel approach to cancer therapy. In addition, peptides in stimuli-responsive systems enable precise drug release in response to specific conditions in the tumor microenvironment. The use of peptides in nanomedicine not only augments the efficacy and safety of cancer treatments but also suggests new research directions. In this review, we introduce systems and functionalization methods using peptides or peptide-modified nanoparticles to overcome challenges in the treatment of specific cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, skin cancer, glioma, osteosarcoma, and cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kibeom Kim
- Convergence Research Center, Nanobiomaterials Institute, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung-Hwan Park
- Convergence Research Center, Nanobiomaterials Institute, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Science, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
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Zhang J, Chen B, Gan C, Sun H, Zhang J, Feng L. A Comprehensive Review of Small Interfering RNAs (siRNAs): Mechanism, Therapeutic Targets, and Delivery Strategies for Cancer Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:7605-7635. [PMID: 38106451 PMCID: PMC10725753 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s436038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery by nanocarriers has been identified as a promising strategy in the study and treatment of cancer. Short nucleotide sequences are synthesized exogenously to create siRNA, which triggers RNA interference (RNAi) in cells and silences target gene expression in a sequence-specific way. As a nucleic acid-based medicine that has gained popularity recently, siRNA exhibits novel potential for the treatment of cancer. However, there are still many obstacles to overcome before clinical siRNA delivery devices can be developed. In this review, we discuss prospective targets for siRNA drug design, explain siRNA drug properties and benefits, and give an overview of the current clinical siRNA therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Additionally, we introduce the siRNA chemical modifications and delivery systems that are clinically sophisticated and classify bioresponsive materials for siRNA release in a methodical manner. This review will serve as a reference for researchers in developing more precise and efficient targeted delivery systems, promoting ongoing advances in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunyuan Gan
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Sun
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Feng
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, People’s Republic of China
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