Programmable DNAzyme nanocatalysts for tumor immunometabolic modulation

Area of Science:

• Catalytic nucleic acids
• Nanotechnology
• Immunometabolism

Background:

• DNAzymes (programmable RNA-cleaving DNAzymes) are catalytic nucleic acids with enzyme-like activity.
• Traditionally used for gene regulation, DNAzymes are now advanced as biosensing modules with therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanistic foundations of DNAzyme catalysis.
• To summarize nanoengineering strategies for programmable sensing and stimuli-responsive DNAzyme functions.
• To discuss the integration of biosensing and catalytic immunometabolic functions.

Main Methods:

• Integration of DNAzymes into metal-oxide scaffolds, DNA-framework architectures, and metal-organic frameworks.
• Engineering hybrid platforms for confined catalytic microenvironments and responsive activation.
• Utilizing DNAzyme nanocatalysts for selective transcript cleavage to modulate cellular metabolism.

Main Results:

• Engineered DNAzyme platforms function as nanoscale biosensors responding to biological cues (pH, redox, ions, microRNAs).
• DNAzyme nanocatalysts can reprogram tumor immunometabolism by altering glycolysis, redox balance, and oxygen tension.
• Metabolic reprogramming by DNAzymes alleviates immunosuppression and promotes immune activation.

Conclusions:

• Programmable DNAzyme nanocatalysts bridge biosensing and catalytic immunometabolic functions.
• These systems offer a promising approach for biosensing-guided immunometabolic intervention.
• Emerging preclinical platforms show potential for therapeutic applications in cancer treatment.