A DNA-Based Nanocarrier for Efficient Gene Delivery and Combined Cancer Therapy

The efficient delivery of a therapeutic gene into target tissues has remained a major obstacle in realizing a viable gene-based medicine. Herein, we introduce a facile and universal strategy to construct a DNA nanostructure-based codelivery system containing a linear tumor therapeutic gene (p53) and a chemotherapeutic drug (doxorubicin, DOX) for combined therapy of multidrug resistant tumor (MCF-7R). This novel codelivery system, which is structurally similar to a kite, is rationally designed to contain multiple functional groups for the targeted delivery and controlled release of the therapeutic cargoes. The self-assembled DNA nanokite achieves efficient gene delivery and exhibits effective inhibition of tumor growth in vitro and in vivo without apparent systemic toxicity. These structurally and chemically well-defined codelivery nanovectors provide a new platform for the development of gene therapeutics for not only cancer but also a wide range of diseases.