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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
Delivery of therapeutic miRNA using polymer-based formulation
Eunmi Ban1, Taek-Hyun Kwon1, Aeri Kim2
1College of Pharmacy, CHA University, 521 CHA Bio Complex, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, South Korea.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that play important roles in many cellular processes such as development, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. For this reason, miRNAs have been proposed and investigated as biomarkers and therapeutics for various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. However, delivery of miRNAs and their antagomirs to target sites remains challenging because of poor cellular uptake and degradation by nucleases. Various delivery systems have been investigated for enhanced delivery of miRNAs to cells, organs, and tissues of interest, thereby enabling evaluation of their biological functions and clinical trials. In particular, non-viral, polymer-based carriers have shown advantages such as versatility of structural modifications and protection of unstable miRNA. Herein, we review properties and applications of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid), chitosan, polyethyleneimine, and polyamidoamine dendrimers as carriers for effective delivery systems of miRNA mimic or anti-miRNAs that directly target essential miRNAs and/or their target genes. A number of miRNAs in clinical trials appear to use chemically modified miRNAs without any particular delivery system except one study with liposomal miRNA. With more accumulation of positive research results on polymeric delivery of miRNA in vitro and in vivo, we expect that polymeric delivery system will accelerate advancement of miRNA therapeutics to clinical study in the near future.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial for cellular processes but face delivery challenges. Polymer-based carriers show promise for enhancing miRNA therapeutics, potentially accelerating clinical development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate key cellular functions like development and apoptosis.
- miRNAs are explored as biomarkers and therapeutics for diseases including cancer and cardiovascular conditions.
- Effective delivery of miRNAs and antagomirs is hindered by poor cellular uptake and nuclease degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review polymer-based delivery systems for microRNAs (miRNAs) and their antagomirs.
- To discuss the properties and applications of specific polymeric carriers for miRNA delivery.
- To highlight the potential of polymeric systems in advancing miRNA therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on polymer-based miRNA delivery systems.
- Analysis of properties of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid), chitosan, polyethyleneimine, and polyamidoamine dendrimers.
- Examination of current clinical trial approaches for miRNA therapeutics.
Main Results:
- Non-viral, polymer-based carriers offer versatile structural modifications and protect unstable miRNAs.
- Polymeric carriers demonstrate advantages for delivering miRNA mimics or antagomirs.
- Most current clinical trials utilize chemically modified miRNAs, with limited use of delivery systems like liposomes.
Conclusions:
- Polymer-based delivery systems are effective for enhancing miRNA delivery to target sites.
- Continued research in polymeric miRNA delivery is expected to accelerate clinical translation.
- Polymeric delivery systems hold significant potential for the future of miRNA-based therapeutics.
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