Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yao Jin, Friederike Adams, Judith Moeller, Lorenz Isert, Christoph M. M. Zimmermann, David Keul, Olivia M. M. Merkel
Summary: In this study, different formulations of low molecular weight PEI-based copolymers blended with or without PEG-PCL were investigated for siRNA delivery. The addition of PEG-PCL stabilized the nanoparticles and improved their biocompatibility and circulation time in vivo. The PEI-PCL-PEI/PEG-PCL nanoparticle system showed higher siRNA encapsulation efficiency, cellular uptake, and gene silencing efficiency, making it a promising vehicle for siRNA delivery.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Min Ju Kim, Hyosuk Kim, Xueliang Gao, Ju Hee Ryu, Yoosoo Yang, Ick Chan Kwon, Thomas M. Roberts, Sun Hwa Kim
Summary: A multi-targeting siRNA delivery system was proposed for PI3K-targeted anticancer therapy, effectively inhibiting the PI3K signaling pathway in PTEN-deficient cancer cells, leading to delays in cell proliferation and migration.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Aysha S. Ansari, K. C. Remant, Xiaoyan Jiang, Hasan Uludag
Summary: This study examined the characteristics and therapeutic efficacy of high cholesterol-substituted low molecular weight (MW) polyethylenimine (PEI) in CML treatment, demonstrating their potential to be potent RNAi agents. The modified polymer complexes showed smaller size, higher cationic charge, and significant interaction with heparan sulfate proteoglycans on cell surfaces, leading to effective gene silencing and colony formation inhibition in K562 cells.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Mina Zhiani, Mir Ali Mousavi, Kobra Rostamizadeh, Reza Pirizadeh, Abdolreza Osali, Afsaneh Mennati, Behrouz Motlagh, Mojtaba Fathi
Summary: The study showed that Integrin-beta 1 overexpression may lead to Regorafenib resistance, and combination therapy targeting Integrin-beta 1 and Regorafenib could decrease Integrin-beta 1 gene expression, increase apoptosis rate, potentially inducing drug sensitivity.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ido Simon, Zohar Persky, Aviram Avital, Hila Harat, Avi Schroeder, Oded Shoseyov
Summary: Isoamylase (ISA) is an enzyme found in plants that plays a role in starch granule formation and degradation. Researchers synthesized lipid-modified PEI (lmPEI) as a carrier for long dsRNA, which targeted three isoamylase isoforms. The particles were applied to plants via foliar spray and effectively suppressed the expressions of different isoamylase isoforms. This study has implications in achieving transgenic phenotypes in plants using a novel delivery system and using foliar applications of dsRNA in agriculture.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Silvia Paola Corona, Francesca Walker, Janet Weinstock, Guillaume Lessene, Maree Faux, Antony W. Burgess
Summary: This study investigates the efficacy of pairwise combinations of inhibitors targeting specific signaling pathways in killing colon cancer cells. The results show that the combination of a Wnt signaling inhibitor and a pro-apoptotic inhibitor can effectively kill colon cancer cells. Combinations of Wnt signaling inhibitors with inhibitors of the Bcl pro-survival protein family should be considered for the treatment of patients with precancerous colon adenomas or advanced colorectal cancers with APC mutations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beibei Hou, Linhui Qin, Linfeng Huang
Summary: RNAi is a sequence-specific gene regulation mechanism involving siRNAs. RNAi therapeutic has shown promising potential in treating liver-associated diseases, especially metabolic diseases. In this study, we investigated the expression of genes implicated in RNAi therapeutics and identified liver cancer cell lines that can serve as convenient models for testing siRNA drug candidates and studying targeted siRNA delivery in the liver.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xu Wan, Runzhou Sun, Yun Bao, Chi Zhang, Ying Wu, Yanling Gong
Summary: The study demonstrated the successful delivery of siRNA targeting EGFR and BRD4 via GALA- and CREKA-modified nanoparticles, showing favorable antitumor effects on TNBC both in vitro and in vivo, along with excellent tumor-targeted delivery and good biocompatibility.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Giovanni Monteleone, Claudia Maresca, Marco Colella, Teresa Pacifico, Daniele Congiu, Edoardo Troncone, Irene Marafini
Summary: This article reviews the current understanding of the involvement of interleukin-34 (IL-34) and its receptor, macrophage colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (MCSF-1R), in colorectal cancer (CRC). It highlights the role of the IL-34/MCSF-1R axis in controlling tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and promoting cancer resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The findings suggest that targeting IL-34/MCSF-1R could be a potential therapeutic intervention in CRC.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Beatrice Tolksdorf, Chuanxiong Nie, Daniela Niemeyer, Viola Roehrs, Johanna Berg, Daniel Lauster, Julia M. Adler, Rainer Haag, Jakob Trimpert, Benedikt Kaufer, Christian Drosten, Jens Kurreck
Summary: The study designed eight small interfering RNAs targeting the highly conserved regions of SARS-CoV-2, with siCoV6 being the most promising candidate that significantly inhibits viral replication and shows activity across various variants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fauzia Jamal, Ghufran Ahmed, Mohammad Farazuddin, Ishrat Altaf, Saba Farheen, Qamar Zia, Asim Azhar, Hira Ahmad, Aijaz Ahmed Khan, Satyanarayana Somavarapu, Anshu Agrawal, Mohammad Owais
Summary: Nanotechnology-based subtilosomes encapsulating COX-2-specific siRNA showed promising results in inhibiting DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinoma, with sustained release and pH-responsive features.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jiwei Hou, Qijian Ji, Jie Ji, Shenghong Ju, Chun Xu, Xueqing Yong, Xiaoxuan Xu, Mohd Muddassir, Xiang Chen, Jinbing Xie, Xiaodong Han
Summary: The development of a dual siRNA-loaded micelle delivery system targeting (myo)fibroblasts shows promising potential in inhibiting the progression of pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing (myo)fibroblast activation and promoting apoptosis. The micelles effectively deliver siRNA targeting NOX4 and PTPN13, leading to significant antifibrotic effects without causing damage to major organs in murine models.
Review
Plant Sciences
Georgina Fabro
Summary: Oomycete phytopathogens use effectors, including proteins and small RNAs, to colonise plants and interfere with normal plant physiology. Effector targets in host cells include gene transcription, cell death, protein stability, and other processes, some of which directly involve plant defence mechanisms. Some effector targets are negative regulators of immunity, while others are necessary for pathogen colonisation.
Article
Cell Biology
Min Lin, Jianan Zhang, Hakim Bouamar, Zhiwei Wang, Lu-Zhe Sun, Xueqiong Zhu
Summary: This study reveals that high expression of FBXO22 is associated with clinicopathological characteristics and poor prognosis in cervical cancer patients. Overexpression of FBXO22 promotes cell viability and tumor growth, while knockdown of FBXO22 has opposite effects. Additionally, overexpression of FBXO22 promotes cell cycle progression and inhibits apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. FBXO22 promotes cervical cancer progression by regulating the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p57(Kip2).
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mengying Hou, Xuejie Wu, Ziyin Zhao, Qiurong Deng, Yongbing Chen, Lichen Yin
Summary: Neutrophils play a critical role in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI) due to their unregulated activation and infiltration. Researchers developed endothelial cell-targeting nanocomplexes that efficiently co-delivered VCAM-1 siRNA and dexamethasone, effectively inhibiting neutrophil recruitment and reducing inflammation.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Domenica Hahn, Nina Vogel, Christian Hoera, Alexander Kaempfe, Maria Schmied-Tobies, Thomas Goeen, Annette Greiner, Annette Aigner, Marike Kolossa-Gehring
Summary: This study investigated the association between dietary factors and blood lead levels in children and adolescents in Germany. The results showed that lead intake through tap water was the predominant exposure pathway, and meat, fruit, and fruit juice consumption were also associated with blood lead levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Priyanga Ranasinghe, Melisande L. Addison, James W. Dear, David J. Webb
Summary: Post-transcriptional gene silencing can be achieved through siRNA therapy, which uses synthetic short double-stranded RNA molecules to specifically target and degrade mRNA transcripts. This technology offers advantages such as broad targeting capabilities and long-lasting effects. However, challenges in terms of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have been addressed through chemical modification and delivery systems. Several siRNA therapies have been approved for clinical use, but further advancements are needed to target organs beyond the liver and reach special sites.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Damian Matysniak, Magdalena Oslislok, Pawel Pomorski
Summary: This paper provides an overview of the P2X7 receptor, the most researched receptor in the nucleotide receptors family. The receptor has been found to have dual roles in tumor progression, acting as an anti-tumorigenic factor through induction of cell death mechanism, while also promoting cancer development through stimulation of proliferation and activation of pro-survival pathways.
ACTA BIOCHIMICA POLONICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Michael Karimov, Marlene Scherer, Heike Franke, Alexander Ewe, Achim Aigner
Summary: A three-dimensional tissue slice air-liquid interface (ALI) culture model was developed for nanoparticle testing, which showed clearer differences in transfection efficacy and cytotoxicity compared to 2D cell culture. This model allows for the evaluation of biological nanoparticle efficacy and biocompatibility in an intact tissue environment, providing a cost-effective and time-saving alternative.
BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Lukas Heyder, Phil M. M. Hochban, Corey Taylor, Florent Chevillard, Christof Siefker, Christian Iking, Hannes Borchardt, Achim Aigner, Gerhard Klebe, Andreas Heine, Peter Kolb, Wibke E. Diederich
Summary: In this study, fragment-sized hits binding to Pim-1 kinase were optimized using a combination of computational, synthetic, and crystallographic expertise. The resulting potent ligands target rarely-targeted regions of Pim-1 kinase with affinities in the nanomolar range. The combination of computational and experimental approaches successfully developed a novel molecular scaffold for inhibition of Pim-1 kinase, targeting specific surface regions that have been less frequently investigated.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Nagalapura Ramakrishnappa Prasannakumar, Vala Keshava Rao, Nagendraiah Jyothi, Sarikonda Saroja, Ankanahalli Naranayanashetty Lokesha, Govindaraju Ramkumar
Summary: Aphids, thrips, whiteflies, mealy bugs, and mites can cause significant crop losses. This study found that extracts from the seeds of Annona squamosa and Sapindus mukorossi have insecticidal properties against these pests, making them potential botanicals for safe pest management in organic farming.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shinan Geng, Mengqin Guo, Guiting Zhan, Dingwen Shi, Liyun Shi, Lu Gan, Yanbing Zhao, Xiangliang Yang
Summary: A NIR light-triggered dePEGylation/ligand-presenting strategy based on thermal decomposition of azo bonds is developed in this study. It overcomes the PEG dilemma and improves tumor targeting and drug delivery by enhancing cellular uptake and tumor accumulation.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maria Sokol, Ivan Gulyaev, Mariia Mollaeva, Sergey Kuznetsov, Vladimir Zenin, Maksim Klimenko, Nikita Yabbarov, Margarita Chirkina, Elena Nikolskaya
Summary: The combinatorial administration of vorinostat and genotoxic agents enhances their antitumoral action against tumors. To support this, a high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the simultaneous determination of doxorubicin and vorinostat in polymeric nanoparticles. The method was precise and accurate, and could be adopted for routine analysis of the drugs in nanoparticles.
JOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Verena Sailer, Gunhild von Amsberg, Stefan Duensing, Jutta Kirfel, Verena Lieb, Eric Metzger, Anne Offermann, Klaus Pantel, Roland Schuele, Helge Taubert, Sven Wach, Sven Perner, Stefan Werner, Achim Aigner
Summary: Androgen deprivation therapy is important in treating advanced prostate cancer, but there is a need for novel treatment approaches. It is crucial to critically assess current preclinical models in order to understand tumor progression and resistance better.
NATURE REVIEWS UROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anisha D'Souza, Saeideh Nozohouri, Benjamin S. Bleier, Mansoor M. Amiji
Summary: Nucleic acid-based therapeutic molecules have great potential for treating diseases in the CNS, but delivering them to the brain's target cells and sub-cellular compartments is a challenge. This review discusses the challenges and recent advances in cellular and sub-cellular delivery using various mechanisms and routes of administration.
PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thomas Foster, Michael Lewkowicz, Christina Quintas, Corina Mihaela Ionescu, Melissa Jones, Susbin Raj Wagle, Bozica Kovacevic, Elaine Y. M. Wong, Armin Mooranian, Hani Al-Salami
Summary: Hearing loss is a significant issue worldwide, and gene delivery and nanoencapsulation technology may provide effective means for treatment.
Article
Oncology
Luis Alberto Bravo-Vazquez, Natalia Frias-Reid, Ana Gabriela Ramos-Delgado, Sofia Madeline Osorio-Perez, Hania Ruth Zlotnik-Chavez, Surajit Pathak, Antara Banerjee, Anindya Bandyopadhyay, Asim K. Duttaroy, Sujay Paul
Summary: MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs play a crucial role in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Their dysregulation is associated with chemoresistance and tumor growth, and they have the potential to be used as biomarkers for accurate diagnosis and as therapeutic targets.
TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Abdul Fatah A. Samad, Mohd Farizal Kamaroddin
Summary: MicroRNA has the potential to regulate genetic pathways and has been explored as a therapeutic tool. However, there are challenges such as off-target effects, immunogenicity, and delivery platforms. Recently, innovative approaches have been developed to address these issues. Nevertheless, dosage remains an uncertainty for miRNA administration.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Longyi Zhu, Jun Luo, Kewei Ren
Summary: Nucleic acid nanotechnology, with its high editability, easy synthesis, and modification, has emerged as a powerful tool in biosensing and nanomedicine. This review summarizes recent progress in the design and functional mechanisms of nucleic acid-based artificial nano-vectors, particularly for the delivery of exogenous siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides. Various types of DNA and RNA-based nanocarriers are introduced, along with enhanced targeting strategies to improve delivery efficacy. The potential challenges and outlook for nucleic acid-based artificial nanocarriers are also highlighted.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sewon Lim, Jinhyuk Park, Seung-Eun Chong, Sungwhan Kim, Yoonhwa Choi, So Hee Nam, Yan Lee
Summary: In this study, we substituted hydrophobic amino acids in the SAP(E) sequence with cysteine to enhance the cell penetrating activity and cargo conjugation. The cysteine substitution significantly improved the cell penetrating activity and showed lower co-localization with acidic endosomes or lysosomes compared to the positively-charged TAT. The cysteine handle of SAP(E)-7C allowed the conjugation and release of cargo drugs, demonstrating its potential as a useful module for CPP-based drug delivery.