Self-assembled RNA-triple-helix hydrogel scaffold for microRNA modulation in the tumour microenvironment.

ABSTRACT: The therapeutic potential of miRNA (miR) in cancer is limited by the lack of efficient delivery vehicles. Here, we show that a self-assembled dual-colour RNA-triple-helix structure comprising two miRNAs-a miR mimic (tumour suppressor miRNA) and an antagomiR (oncomiR inhibitor)-provides outstanding capability to synergistically abrogate tumours. Conjugation of RNA triple helices to dendrimers allows the formation of stable triplex nanoparticles, which form an RNA-triple-helix adhesive scaffold upon interaction with dextran aldehyde, the latter able to chemically interact and adhere to natural tissue amines in the tumour. We also show that the self-assembled RNA-triple-helix conjugates remain functional in vitro and in vivo, and that they lead to nearly 90% levels of tumour shrinkage two weeks post-gel implantation in a triple-negative breast cancer mouse model. Our findings suggest that the RNA-triple-helix hydrogels can be used as an efficient anticancer platform to locally modulate the expression of endogenous miRs in cancer.

SUBMITTER: Conde J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6594154 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature