Innovative Oral Nano/Gene Delivery System Based on Engineered Modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae for Colorectal Cancer...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Oncology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Efficient RNA-based drug delivery to solid tumors, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC), faces significant challenges including enzymatic degradation and gastrointestinal barriers.
• Current delivery methods often struggle to overcome these obstacles, limiting therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a safe and efficient oral drug delivery system compatible with RNA-based therapeutics for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment.
• To evaluate the efficacy of engineered modified *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* for delivering miR21-antagomir in preclinical CRC models.

Main Methods:

• Designed an orally deliverable gene delivery system, YS@NPs21, utilizing engineered modified *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*.
• Evaluated YS@NPs21 in preclinical mouse models of colorectal cancer, including *Apc*^Min/+ and in situ tumor-bearing mice.

Main Results:

• The YS@NPs21 system effectively suppressed tumor growth in both *Apc*^Min/+ and in situ tumor-bearing mouse models.
• Demonstrated tumor-targeting capability, significant inhibition of tumor growth, and low toxicity toward nontumor cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed oral drug delivery system, YS@NPs21, shows promise as a straightforward, safe, and RNA drug-compatible approach for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment.
• This innovative system has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with CRC therapy.