Gold nanorod delivery of LSD1 siRNA induces human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation

Over the past decade, theranostic nanoparticles with microsize and multifunctional ability have emerged as a new platform in biomedical field, such as cancer therapy, optical imaging and gene therapy. Gene therapy has been recently shown as a promising tool for tissue engineering as safe and effective nanotechnology-based delivery methods are developed. Controlling adhesion and differentiation of stem cells is critical for tissue regeneration. In this study, we have developed poly-sodium 4-styrenesulfonate (PSS) and poly-allylamine hydrochloride (PAH) coated AuNR-based nanocarriers, which are capable of delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA) against LSD1 to induce the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. To further study the mechanism, we tested the stemness and differentiation genes and found that they have been changed with LSD1 down-regulation. In addition, with the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), LSD1 siRNA delivery by AuNRs could promote the differentiation of the human mesenchymal stem cells (human MSCs) into a hepatocyte lineage in vitro. Our results suggest for the first time use of AuNRs as nanocarriers of delivery LSD1 siRNA to induce the differentiation of human MSCs into a hepatocyte lineage, and envision the potential application of nanotechnology in tissue remodeling (such as liver and bone) in vivo, eventually translating to clinical applications.