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Small Interfering RNA for Gliomas Treatment: Overcoming Hurdles in Delivery
Xin-Qi Teng1,2,3, Jian Qu3, Guo-Hua Li3
1Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Abstract:
Gliomas are central nervous system tumors originating from glial cells, whose incidence and mortality rise in coming years. The current treatment of gliomas is surgery combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, developing therapeutic resistance is one of the significant challenges. Recent research suggested that small interfering RNA (siRNA) has excellent potential as a therapeutic to silence genes that are significantly involved in the manipulation of gliomas' malignant phenotypes, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, therapy resistance, and immune escape. However, it is challenging to deliver the naked siRNA to the action site in the cells of target tissues. Therefore, it is urgent to develop delivery strategies to transport siRNA to achieve the optimal silencing effect of the target gene. However, there is no systematic discussion about siRNAs' clinical potential and delivery strategies in gliomas. This review mainly discusses siRNAs' delivery strategies, especially nanotechnology-based delivery systems, as a potential glioma therapy. Moreover, we envisage the future orientation and challenges in translating these findings into clinical applications.
Insights
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) shows promise for treating gliomas by silencing key genes. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems are crucial for overcoming challenges in transporting siRNA to target brain tumor cells effectively.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Therapy
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Gliomas are aggressive brain tumors with rising incidence and mortality.
- Current treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) face challenges with therapeutic resistance.
- Malignant glioma phenotypes like proliferation, invasion, and immune escape are driven by specific genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical potential of small interfering RNA (siRNA) for glioma therapy.
- To discuss the challenges and strategies for siRNA delivery in gliomas.
- To highlight nanotechnology-based delivery systems for enhanced glioma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of current literature on siRNA therapy for gliomas.
- Focus on gene silencing mechanisms of siRNA in cancer.
- Exploration of various nanotechnology-based delivery systems for siRNA.
Main Results:
- siRNA effectively silences genes crucial for glioma progression and resistance.
- Delivery of naked siRNA to brain tumor cells is a significant hurdle.
- Nanotechnology offers promising solutions for targeted and efficient siRNA delivery.
Conclusions:
- siRNA holds significant therapeutic potential for gliomas.
- Advanced delivery strategies, particularly nanotechnology, are essential for clinical translation.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in translating siRNA delivery into effective glioma treatments.
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