MicroRNA Delivery Systems in Cancer Therapy
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that orchestrate gene expression networks governing cell proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. Dysregulation of miRNA expression is a hallmark of diverse cancers; therapeutic strategies aim to restore tumour suppressor miRNAs or inhibit oncogenic species. Yet, the intrinsic instability of naked miRNAs, coupled with poor cellular uptake and off-target distribution, has driven the development of sophisticated delivery vehicles. Delivery platforms now encompass lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric and peptide-derived carriers, extracellular vesicles and inorganic nanostructures. Each system seeks to balance protection from nuclease degradation, efficient endosomal escape, controlled release and tumour targeting. Innovations include ligand-mediated homing, stimuli-responsive release and immune-evasive surfaces. Collectively, these approaches are converging towards clinical translation, offering precision tools to reprogramme malignant cells through miRNA therapeutics.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Foundational work used chitosan/PLGA nanoparticles to encapsulate miR-34a, achieving robust entrapment efficiency, nuclease protection and tumour-specific delivery in multiple myeloma models. Systemic administration of these nanoplexes led to marked tumour regression and extended survival with minimal toxicity. This study established biodegradable polymeric carriers as a viable platform and spurred further investigations into tailored polymer ratios and surface modifications to enhance the therapeutic index across diverse cancer settings.
MicroRNA Delivery Systems in Cancer Therapy publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna delivery systems in cancer therapy across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
microRNA (miRNA): short non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding messenger RNAs and inhibiting translation or promoting degradation.
Nanoparticle: submicrometre-scale carrier engineered to deliver therapeutic agents, protect them from degradation and control release kinetics.
Cationic peptide: positively charged amino acid sequence used to complex nucleic acids, enhance stability and facilitate cellular uptake.
Liposome: spherical vesicle composed of lipid bilayers used to encapsulate and transport therapeutic molecules while minimising immunogenicity.
Xenograft model: in vivo system where human tumour cells are implanted into immunodeficient animals to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and toxicity.
PLGA: biodegradable copolymer of lactic and glycolic acids used to formulate sustained-release nanoparticles with tunable degradation rates.
References
- The mirrored cationic peptide as miRNA vehicle for efficient lung cancer therapy. MedComm (2023).
- CLPs-miR-103a-2-5p inhibits proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis in AML cells by targeting LILRB3 and Nrf2/HO-1 axis, regulating CD8 + T cell response. Journal of Translational Medicine (2024).
- Delivery of miR-34a by chitosan/PLGA nanoplexes for the anticancer treatment of multiple myeloma. Scientific Reports (2015).
- A Comprehensive Review of Cancer MicroRNA Therapeutic Delivery Strategies. Cancers (2020).
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