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Formulating and Characterizing Lipid Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery using a Microfluidic Mixing Platform
Published on: February 25, 2021
Folate-linked lipid-based nanoparticle for targeted gene delivery
Yoshiyuki Hattori1, Yoshie Maitani
1Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Ebara 2-4-41, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan.
Abstract:
Cancer gene therapy has been intensively developed using non-viral vectors, among which cationic liposomes and nanoparticles are the most thoroughly investigated. For targeted delivery to tumors, vitamin folic acid has been utilized for folate receptor (FR)-mediated drug delivery, since FR is frequently overexpressed on many types of human tumors. Liposomes conjugated to folate ligand have been used as carriers of chemotherapeutic agents and DNA to receptor-bearing tumor cells in vitro. As an alternative treatment for prostate cancer, suicide gene therapy by local injection using an adenoviral vector has been reported, but not that using non-viral vectors. The folate-linked, lipid-based nanoparticles which we developed could deliver genes extensively to FR-negative LNCaP and PC-3 cells, as well as FR-positive KB and Hela cells. In this review, we outline folate-linked liposomes and nanoparticles, and show the effectiveness of folate-linked, lipid-based nanoparticles as a vector for DNA transfection and for suicide gene therapy, to treat human nasopharyngeal and prostate tumors.
Insights
Folate-linked nanoparticles effectively deliver genes for cancer therapy. These non-viral vectors show promise for treating tumors like prostate and nasopharyngeal cancers.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Non-viral vectors, particularly cationic liposomes and nanoparticles, are key in cancer gene therapy.
- Folate receptor (FR) is overexpressed in many human tumors, making it a target for FR-mediated drug delivery.
- While adenoviral vectors are used for prostate cancer suicide gene therapy, non-viral vector applications are less explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review folate-linked liposomes and nanoparticles for cancer gene therapy.
- To demonstrate the effectiveness of folate-linked, lipid-based nanoparticles as a vector for DNA transfection and suicide gene therapy.
- To assess the potential of these nanoparticles in treating human nasopharyngeal and prostate tumors.
Main Methods:
- Development of folate-linked, lipid-based nanoparticles.
- Testing gene delivery to both FR-positive (KB, Hela) and FR-negative (LNCaP, PC-3) cancer cell lines.
- Evaluating nanoparticles for DNA transfection and suicide gene therapy applications.
Main Results:
- Folate-linked nanoparticles successfully delivered genes to both FR-positive and FR-negative cancer cells.
- Demonstrated the potential of these nanoparticles as effective vectors for gene therapy.
- Showcased their utility in treating nasopharyngeal and prostate tumors.
Conclusions:
- Folate-linked, lipid-based nanoparticles are effective non-viral vectors for cancer gene therapy.
- These nanoparticles offer a promising approach for treating various human tumors, including prostate and nasopharyngeal cancers.
- Further research into folate-targeted nanoparticles could advance cancer treatment strategies.
