Transferrin-conjugated SNALPs encapsulating 2'-O-methylated miR-34a for the treatment of multiple myeloma

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:217365. doi: 10.1155/2014/217365. Epub 2014 Feb 13.

Abstract

Stable nucleic acid lipid vesicles (SNALPs) encapsulating miR-34a to treat multiple myeloma (MM) were developed. Wild type or completely 2'-O-methylated (OMet) MiR-34a was used in this study. Moreover, SNALPs were conjugated with transferrin (Tf) in order to target MM cells overexpressing transferrin receptors (TfRs). The type of miR-34a chemical backbone did not significantly affect the characteristics of SNALPs in terms of mean size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential, while the encapsulation of an OMet miR-34a resulted in a significant increase of miRNA encapsulation into the SNALPs. On the other hand, the chemical conjugation of SNALPs with Tf resulted in a significant decrease of the zeta potential, while size characteristics and miR-34a encapsulation into SNALPs were not significantly affected. In an experimental model of MM, all the animals treated with SNALPs encapsulating miR-34a showed a significant inhibition of the tumor growth. However, the use of SNALPs conjugated with Tf and encapsulating OMet miR-34a resulted in the highest increase of mice survival. These results may represent the proof of concept for the use of SNALPs encapsulating miR-34a for the treatment of MM.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Lipids / chemistry*
  • Male
  • Methylation
  • Mice, SCID
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy*
  • Nucleic Acids / chemistry*
  • Particle Size
  • Receptors, Transferrin / metabolism
  • Static Electricity
  • Transferrin / metabolism*
  • Unilamellar Liposomes / chemistry*

Substances

  • Lipids
  • MIRN34 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Nucleic Acids
  • Receptors, Transferrin
  • Transferrin
  • Unilamellar Liposomes