title: Gene regulation with polyvalent siRNA-nanoparticle conjugates.
abstract: We report the synthesis and characterization of polyvalent RNA-gold nanoparticle conjugates (RNA-Au NPs), nanoparticles that are densely functionalized with synthetic RNA oligonucleotides and designed to function in the RNAi pathway. The particles were rationally designed and synthesized to be free of degrading enzymes, have a high surface loading of siRNA duplexes, and contain an auxiliary passivating agent for increased stability in biological media. The resultant conjugates have a half-life six times longer than that of free dsRNA, readily enter cells without the use of transfection agents, and demonstrate a high gene knockdown capability in a cell model.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3113, USA.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Giljohann
authors.forename: Dwight S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Seferos
authors.forename: Andrew E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Prigodich
authors.forename: Pinal C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Chad A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Mirkin
mesh_terms: D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D008156:Luciferases / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
chemical_list: D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D006046:Gold; D008156:Luciferases