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Circular RNA targeted theranostic nanoplatform for liver cancer-related gene detection and metastasis regulation in
Shuyun Weng1, Hong Tao2, Luyun Xu3
1School of Information Engineering, Xiamen Ocean Vocational College, Xiamen, 361000, China.
Abstract:
Liver cancer (LC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with the unsatisfactory clinical outcome due to high heterogeneity and metastasis. Unfortunately, it is still great challenging to achieve both effective screening and precise treatment of LC. Herein, a nanocomposite integrating dual-optical probes and gene regulation sequence was designed and prepared to simultaneously detect the novel gene biomarker and inhibit the metastasis-related gene function, achieving dual diagnostic and treatment functions for LC. Using the biosensing model based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and fluorescence imaging, different expression of target circular RNA (cSMARCA5) in normal and LC cells can be characterized and quantified with an ultra-low limit of detection of 4.50 fM. Meanwhile, the specially-designed sequence loaded in the nanocomposite is capable of inhibiting the migration and invasion of LC cells in an in vitro model. Moreover, its ability of metastasis regulation for potential gene therapy can be further confirmed using optical imaging method via in vivo zebrafish transplantation tumor model. This work presents a dual-function nano-platform for simultaneous optical screening and gene treatment of LC, providing a unique strategy for precise medicine.
Insights
Researchers developed a novel nanocomposite for liver cancer (LC). This platform enables early screening using dual-optical probes and gene therapy to inhibit metastasis, offering a dual diagnostic and treatment strategy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Liver cancer (LC) presents a significant global health challenge, being the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide.
- High tumor heterogeneity and metastasis contribute to poor clinical outcomes and difficulties in effective screening and treatment.
- Current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for LC often fall short due to these complexities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and develop a multifunctional nanocomposite for simultaneous detection and targeted treatment of liver cancer.
- To create a dual-function platform integrating biosensing capabilities with gene regulation for precise medicine applications in LC.
- To address the unmet needs in early screening and effective therapy for liver cancer through innovative nanotechnology.
Main Methods:
- Development of a nanocomposite incorporating dual-optical probes and a gene regulation sequence for liver cancer applications.
- Utilizing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and fluorescence imaging for sensitive detection and quantification of the circular RNA biomarker cSMARCA5.
- In vitro assessment of the nanocomposite's ability to inhibit cancer cell migration and invasion, followed by in vivo validation using a zebrafish transplantation tumor model.
Main Results:
- The nanocomposite achieved ultra-low detection limits (4.50 µM) for the target circular RNA (cSMARCA5) in normal and LC cells.
- Demonstrated significant inhibition of liver cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro.
- Validated the metastasis regulation and gene therapy potential in vivo using optical imaging in a zebrafish model.
Conclusions:
- The developed dual-function nano-platform offers simultaneous optical screening and gene-based treatment for liver cancer.
- This innovative strategy provides a promising approach for precise medicine in managing liver cancer.
- The study highlights the potential of integrated nanotechnology for advancing diagnostics and therapeutics in oncology.
