Nanoparticles for death‑induced gene therapy in cancer (Review)

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Nanomedicine
• Cancer Gene Therapy

Background:

• Traditional chemotherapy exhibits high toxicity and side effects, necessitating alternative cancer treatment strategies.
• Gene therapy, specifically death-induced gene therapy, aims to eliminate tumor cells by introducing genes that trigger apoptosis or toxic protein production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of nanoparticles as vectors for plasmid DNA (pDNA) transfection in death-induced gene therapy.
• To discuss the key aspects and challenges associated with using nanoparticles for targeted gene delivery in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing polymeric or inorganic nanoparticles with tailored biological and physicochemical properties for pDNA encapsulation and delivery.
• Functionalizing nanoparticles with specific molecules to target molecular markers on tumor cell surfaces, enabling receptor-mediated endocytosis.
• Reviewing current literature on nanoparticle-mediated pDNA delivery for gene therapy applications.

Main Results:

• Nanoparticles demonstrate suitable properties for carrying pDNA into tumor cells.
• Surface functionalization of nanoparticles allows for specific binding to tumor cells, enhancing targeted delivery and reducing off-target toxicity.
• Nanoparticle-mediated gene delivery presents a viable strategy for overcoming transfection challenges in death-induced gene therapy.

Conclusions:

• Nanoparticles are a promising candidate for developing effective and targeted gene vectors in death-induced gene therapy.
• Further research and development are needed to address challenges in designing optimal nanoparticle transfection vectors for clinical application.
• Nanoparticle-based gene therapy holds potential for improved cancer treatment with reduced side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy.