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Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Cancer Fighting SiRNA-RRM2 Loaded Nanorobots
Arjun Sharma1,2, Pravir Kumar3, Rashmi K Ambasta3,4
1School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, TN, India.
Background:
Silencing of several genes is critical for cancer therapy. These genes may be apoptotic gene, cell proliferation gene, DNA synthesis gene, etc. The two subunits of Ribonucleotide Reductase (RR), RRM1 and RRM2, are critical for DNA synthesis. Hence, targeting the blockage of DNA synthesis at tumor site can be a smart mode of cancer therapy. Specific targeting of blockage of RRM2 is done effectively by SiRNA. The drawbacks of siRNA delivery in the body include the poor uptake by all kinds of cells, questionable stability under physiological condition, non-target effect and ability to trigger the immune response. These obstacles may be overcome by target delivery of siRNA at the tumor site. This review presents a holistic overview regarding the role of RRM2 in controlling cancer progression. The nanoparticles are more effective due to specific characteristics like cell membrane penetration capacity, less toxicity, etc. RRM2 have been found to be elevated in different types of cancer and identified as the prognostic and predictive marker of the disease. Reductase RRM1 and RRM2 regulate the protein and gene expression of E2F, which is critical for protein expression and progression of cell cycle and cancer. The knockdown of RRM2 leads to apoptosis via Bcl2 in cancer. Both Bcl2 and E2F are critical in the progression of cancer, hence a gene that can affect both in regulating DNA replication is essential for cancer therapy.
Aim:
The aim of the review is to identify the related gene whose silencing may inhibit cancer progression.
Conclusion:
In this review, we illuminate the critical link between RRM-E2F, RRM-Bcl2, RRM-HDAC for the therapy of cancer. Altogether, this review presents an overview of all types of SiRNA targeted for cancer therapy with special emphasis on RRM2 for controlling the tumor progression.
Insights
Targeting Ribonucleotide Reductase subunit 2 (RRM2) with siRNA offers a promising cancer therapy strategy by inhibiting DNA synthesis. Nanoparticle delivery enhances siRNA efficacy and overcomes delivery challenges for improved tumor control.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Genetics
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Gene silencing is crucial for cancer therapy, targeting genes involved in apoptosis, proliferation, and DNA synthesis.
- Ribonucleotide Reductase (RR), comprising RRM1 and RRM2 subunits, is essential for DNA synthesis.
- RRM2 is frequently overexpressed in various cancers, serving as a prognostic and predictive marker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of RRM2 in cancer progression and its potential as a therapeutic target.
- To identify genes whose silencing can inhibit cancer progression, with a focus on RRM2.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on RRM2's role in cancer and siRNA-based therapeutic strategies.
- Exploration of nanoparticle-mediated delivery of siRNA for targeted tumor treatment.
- Analysis of the regulatory links between RRM2, E2F, and Bcl2 in cancer cell cycle and apoptosis.
Main Results:
- RRM2 plays a critical role in DNA synthesis and is regulated by E2F, a key factor in cell cycle progression.
- Silencing RRM2 induces apoptosis in cancer cells, partly through modulation of Bcl2.
- Nanoparticles demonstrate potential for enhanced siRNA delivery, improving cell uptake and reducing toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Targeting RRM2 with siRNA, particularly via nanoparticle delivery, represents a viable strategy for cancer therapy.
- The interplay between RRM, E2F, and Bcl2 highlights RRM2 as a crucial target for controlling tumor progression.
- Further research into RRM-E2F, RRM-Bcl2, and RRM-HDAC interactions can advance cancer treatment modalities.
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