Nanocarrier systems for delivery of siRNA to ovarian cancer tissues.
BACKGROUND
Novel therapeutic strategies have been investigated for ovarian cancer to reduce toxicity and to improve outcomes for patients. Short interfering RNA (siRNA), which directs the sequence-specific degradation of target mRNA and provides specificity of gene knockdown, represents a unique class of potential therapeutics for ovarian cancer. However, siRNA molecules are rapidly degraded in plasma and are unable to passively diffuse through cellular membranes. Nanocarriers can efficiently protect siRNA from in vivo degradation and are able to deliver these active macromolecules to tumor cells even after intravenous administration.


METHODS
Strategies of gene therapy and the role of siRNA in ovarian cancer treatment are introduced, followed by an overview of nanocarriers for siRNA delivery, the advantages of the systems and the types of targeting to tumor cells. Classes of nanocarriers for delivery of siRNA, their functionalities and modalities are discussed with emphasis on the promising vehicles.


CONCLUSIONS
Gene silencing therapy based on siRNA represents a possible opportunity for treatment of ovarian cancer patients. However, this approach requires selection of suitable nanocarriers that can safely and effectively deliver siRNA to the target site to induce its effect. Very little work has been done in this field; therefore, it is a good direction for future development.
University of Auckland, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand.
Eshrat Gharaei
EG
Fathabadi
Andrew N
AN
Shelling
Raida
R
Al-Kassas
D004337:Drug Carriers; D005260:Female; D055785:Gene Knockdown Techniques; D020868:Gene Silencing; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D049329:Nanostructures; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism
D004337:Drug Carriers; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering