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Updated: May 23, 2025
07:59
Folding and Characterization of a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami
Published on: December 3, 2015
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Predesigned DNA Origami Nanodrills Mediate Controlled Pore Formation on a Plasma Membrane and Cell Death
Yushuai Wu1,2, Qing Liu1, Run Tian1,2
1CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
Nano Letters
|May 9, 2025
Summary
Engineered DNA nanodrills can attach to and penetrate cell membranes, causing cell damage and death. This technology shows promise for developing novel cancer therapies by targeting tumor cells.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biophysics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The plasma membrane is a critical cellular barrier.
- Targeted disruption of the plasma membrane is a potential therapeutic strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer DNA origami nanodrills for controlled plasma membrane penetration.
- To investigate the potential of these nanodrills in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Construction of cap-and-stem DNA origami nanodrills with cholesterol tags.
- Assessment of membrane channel formation in artificial and biological membranes.
- Evaluation of nanodrill-induced cell damage, calcium influx, protein release, and cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- DNA nanodrills successfully adhered to and penetrated lipid bilayers.
- Transmembrane channels were generated, leading to mechanical membrane damage.
- Significant cytotoxicity against tumor cells was observed, with acid-triggered functionality.
Conclusions:
- Programmable DNA origami nanodrills can induce plasma membrane rupture and cell death.
- This approach offers a novel strategy for cancer therapy development.
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