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

Nat Commun. 2021 May 18;12(1):2928. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-23250-5.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Animals
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / genetics
  • Gene Silencing
  • Gene Transfer Techniques*
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacokinetics
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays / methods

Substances

  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Gold
  • DNA