Self-assembled mirror DNA nanostructures for tumor-specific delivery of anticancer drugs

July 28, 2017

Title

Self-assembled mirror DNA nanostructures for tumor-specific delivery of anticancer drugs

Author

Kyoung-Ran Kim, Hyo Young Kim, Yong-Deok Lee, Jong Seong Ha, Ji Hee Kang, Hansaem Jeong, Duhee Bang, Young Tag Ko, Sehoon Kim, Hyukjin Lee, Dae-Ro Ahn

Year

2016

Journal

Journal of Controlled Release

Abstract

Nanoparticle delivery systems have been extensively investigated for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs over the past decades. However, it is still a great challenge to overcome the drawbacks of conventional nanoparticle systems such as liposomes and micelles. Various novel nanomaterials consist of natural polymers are proposed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs. Among them, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has received much attention as an emerging material for preparation of self-assembled nanostructures with precise control of size and shape for tailored uses. In this study, self-assembled mirror DNA tetrahedron nanostructures is developed for tumor-specific delivery of anticancer drugs. l-DNA, a mirror form of natural d-DNA, is utilized for resolving a poor serum stability of natural d-DNA. The mirror DNA nanostructures show identical thermodynamic properties to that of natural d-DNA, while possessing far enhanced serum stability. This unique characteristic results in a significant effect on the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of DNA nanostructures. It is demonstrated that the mirror DNA nanostructures can deliver anticancer drugs selectively to tumors with enhanced cellular and tissue penetration. Furthermore, the mirror DNA nanostructures show greater anticancer effects as compared to that of conventional PEGylated liposomes. Our new approach provides an alternative strategy for tumor-specific delivery of anticancer drugs and highlights the promising potential of the mirror DNA nanostructures as a novel drug delivery platform.

Instrument

J-810

Keywords

Circular dichroism, Stereochemistry, DNA structure, Nanostructures, Materials, Biochemistry