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Published on: May 2, 2019
Nanoparticles-Delivered Circular RNA Strategy as a Novel Antitumor Approach
Luisa Racca1,2,3, Elisabetta Liuzzi4,5, Simona Comparato1,5
1Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy.
Abstract:
Anticancer therapy urgently needs the development of novel strategies. An innovative molecular target is represented by circular RNAs (circRNAs), single-strand RNA molecules with the 5' and 3' ends joined, characterized by a high stability. Although circRNA properties and biological functions have only been partially elucidated, their relationship and involvement in the onset and progression of cancer have emerged. Specific targeting of circRNAs may be obtained with antisense oligonucleotides and silencing RNAs. Nanotechnology is at the forefront of research for perfecting their delivery. Continuous efforts have been made to develop novel nanoparticles (NPs) and improve their performance, materials, and properties regarding biocompatibility and targeting capabilities. Applications in various fields, from imaging to gene therapy, have been explored. This review sums up the smart strategies developed to directly target circRNAs with the fruitful application of NPs in this context.
Insights
Novel strategies for anticancer therapy leverage circular RNAs (circRNAs) as molecular targets. Nanoparticles (NPs) enhance the delivery of therapeutic agents like antisense oligonucleotides to combat cancer effectively.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable RNA molecules with emerging roles in cancer development.
- Targeting circRNAs presents a novel strategy for anticancer therapy.
- Efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to circRNAs remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review smart strategies for directly targeting circRNAs in cancer.
- To highlight the role of nanoparticles (NPs) in delivering circRNA-targeting agents.
- To explore the potential of circRNA-targeted nanomedicine in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on circRNAs, cancer, and nanotechnology.
- Analysis of nanoparticle-based delivery systems for antisense oligonucleotides and silencing RNAs.
- Evaluation of strategies for enhancing NP biocompatibility and targeting capabilities.
Main Results:
- CircRNAs are implicated in cancer onset and progression.
- Antisense oligonucleotides and silencing RNAs show potential for specific circRNA targeting.
- Nanoparticles offer improved delivery, biocompatibility, and targeting for circRNA therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- Directly targeting circRNAs with nanomedicine represents a promising frontier in anticancer therapy.
- Further development of smart NPs is crucial for optimizing circRNA-targeted cancer treatments.
- This approach holds potential for applications in cancer imaging and gene therapy.
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