Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2025
Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Nanoformulations Downregulating METTL16 Combined with mRNA Tumor Vaccines Suppress Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and
Runying Wang1, Yufeng Zhang1, Shubo Du1
1MOE Key Laboratory of Bio-Intelligent Manufacturing, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a significant threat to women's health due to its high malignancy and recurrence. Traditional treatments such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are no longer sufficient to meet clinical needs. Based on prior research that identified METTL16 as a potential target for TNBC, this study aimed to develop a nanoformulation to mitigate the malignancy of TNBC by silencing METTL16. The integration of this formulation with emerging mRNA tumor vaccines aimed to effectively inhibit the growth and metastasis of TNBC.
Research Methods:
Using microfluidic technology, efficient siRNA encapsulation in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) yielded LNP/siMETTL16 and selective organ-targeting LNP/siMETTL16 (SORT-LNP/siMETTL16). Initially, the antitumor properties of LNP/siMETTL16 were evaluated at the cellular level. Subsequently, the antitumor properties were explored in mouse subcutaneous TNBC models with LNP/siMETTL16 (intratumoral injection) and mRNA tumor vaccines (intramuscular injection). The combined inhibition of TNBC lung metastasis by SORT-LNP/siMETTL16 (intravenous injection) and mRNA vaccine (intramuscular injection) was also investigated.
Results:
Cellular experiments demonstrated the efficient silencing effect of LNP/siMETTL16, leading to inhibition of tumor cell activity. The combination of LNP/siMETTL16 and LNP/mMUC1 significantly suppressed subcutaneous tumor growth, achieving an inhibition rate of 66.0%. Furthermore, the combination of SORT-LNP/siMETTL16 and mRNA tumor vaccines markedly alleviated TNBC lung metastasis.
Conclusion:
This study provides evident support for the application and translation of METTL16 as a therapeutic target and offers a novel strategy for TNBC combined treatment in clinical settings.
Insights
This study developed a novel nanoformulation to silence METTL16, effectively inhibiting triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) growth and metastasis when combined with mRNA tumor vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive with limited treatment options.
- METTL16 has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for TNBC.
- Current treatments for TNBC are insufficient to address its malignancy and recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a nanoformulation for silencing METTL16 in TNBC.
- To evaluate the combined efficacy of the nanoformulation and mRNA tumor vaccines against TNBC.
- To inhibit TNBC growth, malignancy, and metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Microfluidic technology was used for efficient siRNA encapsulation in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs).
- Developed LNP/siMETTL16 and selective organ-targeting LNP/siMETTL16 (SORT-LNP/siMETTL16).
- Evaluated antitumor properties in cellular and mouse TNBC models, including subcutaneous tumors and lung metastasis.
Main Results:
- LNP/siMETTL16 demonstrated efficient silencing of METTL16 and inhibited tumor cell activity.
- Combination therapy of LNP/siMETTL16 and LNP/mMUC1 suppressed subcutaneous tumor growth by 66.0%.
- Combined SORT-LNP/siMETTL16 and mRNA tumor vaccines significantly alleviated TNBC lung metastasis.
Conclusions:
- METTL16 is a viable therapeutic target for TNBC.
- The developed nanoformulation offers a novel strategy for combined treatment of TNBC.
- This approach shows promise for clinical translation in TNBC therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
02:30Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...