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13:10
DNA Vector-based RNA Interference to Study Gene Function in Cancer
Published on: June 4, 2012
Tumor-targeted RNA-interference: functional non-viral nanovectors
Xinghua Pan1, Rachel Thompson, Xiaojie Meng
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation and Cancer Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
American Journal of Cancer Research
|May 17, 2011
Summary
Delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) to tumors is challenging due to biological barriers. Non-viral nanovectors offer promising solutions for RNA-interference (RNAi) cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) show promise for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Efficient in vivo delivery of RNA to tumor cells remains a significant hurdle.
- Existing delivery barriers include physiological environments and RNA properties, limiting clinical translation of RNA-interference (RNAi) therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current RNAi delivery barriers and vector requirements.
- To discuss recent advancements in nanomaterials and nanovector fabrication for RNA delivery.
- To identify future research needs for effective non-viral nanovector-based RNAi delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of RNAi delivery barriers and nanovector technologies.
- Analysis of novel nanomaterials and fabrication methods for nanovectors.
- Discussion of current delivery strategies and future research directions.
Main Results:
- Non-viral nanoparticle-based nanovectors demonstrate significant potential for RNA delivery.
- Novel fabrication approaches can enhance nanovector performance.
- Understanding and overcoming delivery barriers are crucial for therapeutic success.
Conclusions:
- Non-viral nanovectors are a promising platform for RNAi-based cancer therapeutics.
- Further investigation into material synthesis, multifunctionality, and delivery strategies is required.
- Addressing delivery barriers is key to advancing RNAi therapies in clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
02:30siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the ATP-dependent...
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the ATP-dependent...
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RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...
01:23RNA Interference
RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which a small non-coding RNA molecule blocks the post-transcriptional expression of a gene by binding to its messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing the protein from being translated.
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RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which a small non-coding RNA molecule blocks the post-transcriptional expression of a gene by binding to its messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing the protein from being translated.
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