miRNA nanotherapeutics for cancer.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression through diverse mechanisms. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNA-based therapies, either restoring or repressing miRNA expression and activity, hold great promise. However, the efficient delivery of miRNAs to target tissues is a major challenge in the transition of miRNA therapy to the clinic. Cationic polymers or viral vectors are efficient delivery agents but their systemic toxicity and immunogenicity limit their clinical usage. Efficient targeting and sustained release of miRNAs/anti-miRNAs using nanoparticles (NPs) conjugated with antibodies and/or peptides could reduce the required therapeutic dosage while minimizing systemic and cellular toxicity. Given their importance in clinical oncology, here we focus on the development of miRNA nanoformulations to achieve enhanced cellular uptake, bioavailability, and accumulation at the tumor site.
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Center for Cancer Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
Aditya
A
Ganju
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Center for Cancer Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
Sheema
S
Khan
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Center for Cancer Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
Bilal B
BB
Hafeez
Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
Stephen W
SW
Behrman
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Center for Cancer Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA. Electronic address: myallapu@uthsc.edu.
Murali M
MM
Yallapu
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Center for Cancer Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA. Electronic address: schauha1@uthsc.edu.
Subhash C
SC
Chauhan
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Center for Cancer Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA. Electronic address: mjaggi@uthsc.edu.
Meena
M
Jaggi
D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D036103:Nanotechnology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*
D035683:MicroRNAs