An RNA/DNA hybrid origami-based nanoplatform for efficient gene therapy

Nanoscale. 2021 Aug 14;13(30):12848-12853. doi: 10.1039/d1nr00517k. Epub 2021 Jul 22.

Abstract

Nucleic acid nanostructures are promising biomaterials for the delivery of homologous gene therapy drugs. Herein, we report a facile strategy for the construction of target mRNA (scaffold) and antisense (staple strands) co-assembled RNA/DNA hybrid "origami" for efficient gene therapy. In our design, the mRNA was folded into a chemically well-defined nanostructure through RNA-DNA hybridization with high yield. After the incorporation of an active cell-targeting aptamer, the tailored RNA/DNA hybrid origami demonstrated efficient cellular uptake and controllable release of antisenses in response to intracellular RNase H digestion. The biocompatible RNA/DNA origami (RDO) elicited a noticeable inhibition of cell proliferation based on the silencing of the tumor-associated gene polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). This RDO-based nanoplatform provides a novel strategy for the further development of gene therapy.

MeSH terms

  • DNA / genetics
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Nanostructures*
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • RNA* / genetics

Substances

  • RNA
  • DNA