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An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells
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Preparation, characterization, and in vitro tumor-suppressive effect of anti-miR-21-equipped RNA nanoparticles

Tinghong Zhang1, Yunlong Wu2, Dejun Yang3

  • 1Department of Urology, Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325035, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Clinical Functional Materials and Diagnosis & Treatment Devices of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325011, PR China.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|April 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This study developed an RNA nanotechnology platform to deliver anti-miR-21 therapy to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The targeted nanoparticles reduced cancer cell viability and invasion, showing promise for breast cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs regulate gene expression; aberrant microRNA levels, like miR-21, are linked to breast cancer progression and therapeutic resistance.
  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits high miR-21 expression, contributing to its aggressive nature and challenging treatment.
  • Targeted delivery of anti-miRNA therapies to cancer cells, particularly TNBC, remains a significant hurdle in clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate an RNA nanotechnology-based platform for targeted delivery of anti-miR-21 to TNBC and chemoresistant breast cancer cells.
  • To assess the efficacy of this platform in reducing cancer cell viability, invasion, migration, and colony formation.
  • To investigate the potential of RNA nanoparticles to sensitize breast cancer cells to conventional chemotherapy, such as doxorubicin.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized an RNA nanotechnology platform functionalized with an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) aptamer for targeted delivery.
  • Administered anti-miR-21 loaded RNA nanoparticles to TNBC and chemoresistant breast cancer cells in vitro.
  • Assessed the impact of nanoparticle treatment on cell viability, response to doxorubicin (DOX), cell invasion, migration, and colony formation.

Main Results:

  • RNA nanoparticles successfully delivered anti-miR-21 to TNBC and chemoresistant breast cancer cells in vitro.
  • The treatment led to reduced cancer cell viability and increased sensitivity to doxorubicin (DOX).
  • Inhibition of miR-21 by the RNA nanoparticles suppressed TNBC cell invasion, migration, and colony formation.

Conclusions:

  • RNA nanotechnology offers a viable platform for targeted delivery of anti-miRNA therapeutics against breast cancer, including TNBC.
  • This approach demonstrates potential in overcoming therapeutic resistance and inhibiting cancer cell aggressiveness.
  • The findings support the clinical applicability of nanotechnology-based delivery systems for future anti-cancer therapeutics.
Keywords:
RNA nanoparticlesTriple-negative breast cancermiR-21

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