Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
09:58
Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Magnetized miR-modified Endothelial Cells
Published on: May 2, 2017
8.0K
Core-Shell Polymer-Based Nanoparticles Deliver miR-155-5p to Endothelial Cells
Joana C Antunes1, Louise Benarroch1, Fernanda C Moraes1
1Université de Paris, LVTS, INSERM U1148, Université Paris 13, 75018 Paris, France.
Molecular Therapy. Nucleic Acids
|July 3, 2019
Summary
This study successfully loaded miR-155-5p onto nanoparticles (NPs) for potential heart failure treatment. These NPs deliver the microRNA into cells, showing prolonged activity and reduced damage markers.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Heart failure affects over 30% globally, often stemming from cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by targeting specific mRNAs.
- Endogenous miR-155-5p is recognized for its vasculoprotective properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a nanoparticle (NP) delivery system for miR-155-5p.
- To assess the stability and biological activity of miR-155-5p loaded onto poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate)-polysaccharide NPs.
- To evaluate the potential of these NPs in enhancing endothelial cell protection.
Main Methods:
- miR-155-5p was loaded onto positively charged poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate)-polysaccharide NPs.
- Nanoparticle characteristics (size, charge, shape) and miR-155-5p loading were quantified.
- Cytocompatibility and cellular uptake of NPs by human coronary artery endothelial cells (hCAECs) were assessed.
- Intracellular miR-155-5p expression, NP localization, and downstream target gene (BACH1) expression were measured over time.
Main Results:
- NP loading with miR-155-5p resulted in a significant decrease in ζ potential with minimal changes in size or shape.
- NPs were cytocompatible with hCAECs up to 100 μg/mL for 2 days and were internalized by the cells, localizing in the endoplasmic reticulum.
- Intracellular miR-155-5p levels increased significantly (75-fold) within 4 hours and remained elevated for 2 days, indicating prolonged release.
- A significant decrease in the miR-155-5p target gene, BACH1, was observed, suggesting functional activity.
- NP-delivered miRNA showed prolonged activity compared to free miRNA.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates a successful proof of concept for loading miR-155-5p onto NPs.
- The NPs maintain miR-155-5p integrity and biological activity within endothelial cells.
- These miR-155-5p-loaded NPs hold promise for enhancing endogenous cytoprotective responses and mitigating damage in infarcted hearts.
Related Concept Videos
02:34Polymers
40.5K
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...
40.5K
02:34Polymers
23.2K
23.2K
02:10The Nucleosome Core Particle
14.1K
Nucleosomes are the DNA-histone complex, where the DNA strand is wound around the histone core. The histone core is an octamer containing two copies of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone proteins.
The paradox
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their main responsibility is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. While on the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access DNA...
The paradox
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their main responsibility is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. While on the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access DNA...
14.1K
01:12The Nucleosome Core Particle
2.2K
Nucleosomes are the DNA-histone complex, where the DNA strand is wound around the histone core. The histone core is an octamer containing two copies of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone proteins.
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their primary aim is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. On the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access histone-bound DNA during...
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their primary aim is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. On the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access histone-bound DNA during...
2.2K
01:14Polymer Classification: Architecture
3.7K
Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...
3.7K
01:21Polymer Classification: Crystallinity
3.8K
Unlike ionic or small covalent molecules, polymers do not form crystalline solids due to the diffusion limitations of their long-chain structures. However, polymers contain microscopic crystalline domains separated by amorphous domains.
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
3.8K