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Updated: Oct 8, 2025
Preparation of Exosomes for siRNA Delivery to Cancer Cells
Published on: December 5, 2018
Delivery of small interfering RNAs by nanovesicles for cancer therapy
Supusson Pengnam1, Samarwadee Plianwong2, Boon-Ek Yingyongnarongkul3
1Pharmaceutical Development of Green Innovations Group (PDGIG), Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, 73000, Thailand.
Abstract:
Small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNAs) are originally recognized as an intermediate of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. They can inhibit or silence various cellular pathways by knocking down specific messenger RNA molecules. In cancer cells, siRNAs can suppress the expression of several multidrug-resistant genes, leading to the increased deposition of chemotherapeutic drugs at the tumor site. siRNA therapy can be used to selectively increase apoptosis of cancer cells or activate an immune response to the cancer. However, delivering siRNAs to the targeted location is the main limitation in achieving safe and effective delivery of siRNAs. This review highlights some representative examples of nonviral delivery systems, especially nanovesicles such as exosomes, liposomes, and niosomes. Nanovesicles can improve the delivery of siRNAs by increasing their intracellular delivery, and they have demonstrated excellent potential for cancer therapy. This review focuses on recent discoveries of siRNA targets for cancer therapy and the use of siRNAs to successfully silence these targets. In addition, this review summarizes the recent progress in designing nanovesicles (liposomes or niosomes) for siRNA delivery to cancer cells and the effects of a combination of anticancer drugs and siRNA therapy in cancer therapy.
Insights
Small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNAs) offer promising cancer therapy by silencing genes. Nanovesicles like liposomes and niosomes enhance siRNA delivery, improving cancer treatment efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNAs) are key mediators of RNA interference (RNAi).
- siRNAs can silence specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, impacting cellular pathways.
- In cancer, siRNAs can target multidrug resistance genes, enhancing chemotherapy effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in siRNA targets for cancer therapy.
- To highlight the role of nanovesicles in improving siRNA delivery for cancer treatment.
- To discuss the combination of nanovesicle-delivered siRNA therapy with conventional anticancer drugs.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on siRNA cancer therapy.
- Focus on nonviral nanovesicle delivery systems (exosomes, liposomes, niosomes).
- Analysis of siRNA targeting strategies and nanovesicle design for cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Nanovesicles significantly enhance intracellular delivery of siRNAs.
- siRNA therapy demonstrates potential for selective cancer cell apoptosis and immune activation.
- Combination therapy with nanovesicle-siRNA and anticancer drugs shows synergistic effects.
Conclusions:
- Nanovesicles are effective delivery systems for siRNA in cancer therapy.
- siRNA targeting and nanovesicle design are crucial for therapeutic success.
- Combined approaches hold significant promise for future cancer treatment strategies.
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