مقالات پذیرفته شده در نهمین کنگره بین المللی زیست پزشکی
Targeted Delivery of siRNA via Ligand-Modified Lipid Nanoparticles for the Treatment of HCC
Targeted Delivery of siRNA via Ligand-Modified Lipid Nanoparticles for the Treatment of HCC
zeinab chaharlashkar,1,*Effat Alizadeh,2
1. 1. Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. 2. Research Central Lab, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran. 2. Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of liver cancer, accounting for 90% of cases, and is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) represent a promising therapeutic strategy by enabling the selective silencing of oncogenes involved in tumor progression. Despite their potential, the clinical application of siRNAs is challenged by rapid degradation in circulation and inefficient cellular uptake. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as effective carriers for nucleic acid delivery due to their biocompatibility and ability to protect and transport genetic material. When functionalized with targeting ligands, LNPs can bind specifically to receptors overexpressed on liver cancer cells, enhancing tumor-specific delivery and minimizing off-target effects. The goal of this work is to review the application of ligand modified LNPs targeting HCC.
Methods: Original articles published since 2018 on ligand-modified lipid nanoparticles in the field of siRNA delivery for HCC therapy were searched from Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed databases. Using these papers, the application and properties of lipid systems in targeted therapy for HCC were reviewed and discussed.
Results: A study demonstrated that phenyl β-D-galactoside-modified LCP NPs exhibited the highest efficiency, successfully delivering anti-VEGF siRNA and reducing tumor angiogenesis in both cell and animal models of HCC. In another study, α-Fetoprotein (AFP) siRNA as a tumorogenic glycoprotein loaded on cationic lipid nanoparticle (cLNPs) showed high siRNA encapsulation and increased apoptosis via caspase activation. These findings highlight their potential for targeted liver cancer therapy.
Conclusion: Considering biocompatibility, optimal targeting efficiencies, and specific ligand-modified lipid nanoparticles-mediated delivery of anti-cancer siRNAs in reported studies, they can be useful in future HCC therapies.