miRNA nanotherapeutics for cancer

Authors

Aditya Ganju
Sheema Khan, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Bilal B. Hafeez, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Stephen Behrman
Murali M. Yallapu, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Subhash C. Chauhan, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Meena Jaggi, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2017

Abstract

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.

Recommended Citation

Ganju, A., Khan, S., Hafeez, B. B., Behrman, S. W., Yallapu, M. M., Chauhan, S. C., & Jaggi, M. (2017). miRNA nanotherapeutics for cancer. Drug discovery today, 22(2), 424–432. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drudis.2016.10.014

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Publication Title

Drug Discov Today

DOI

10.1016/j.drudis.2016.10.014

Academic Level

faculty

Mentor/PI Department

Immunology and Microbiology