Aptamer-functionalized lipid nanoparticles targeting osteoblasts as a novel RNA interference-based bone anabolic strategy

Nat Med. 2015 Mar;21(3):288-94. doi: 10.1038/nm.3791. Epub 2015 Feb 9.

Abstract

Currently, major concerns about the safety and efficacy of RNA interference (RNAi)-based bone anabolic strategies still exist because of the lack of direct osteoblast-specific delivery systems for osteogenic siRNAs. Here we screened the aptamer CH6 by cell-SELEX, specifically targeting both rat and human osteoblasts, and then we developed CH6 aptamer-functionalized lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encapsulating osteogenic pleckstrin homology domain-containing family O member 1 (Plekho1) siRNA (CH6-LNPs-siRNA). Our results showed that CH6 facilitated in vitro osteoblast-selective uptake of Plekho1 siRNA, mainly via macropinocytosis, and boosted in vivo osteoblast-specific Plekho1 gene silencing, which promoted bone formation, improved bone microarchitecture, increased bone mass and enhanced mechanical properties in both osteopenic and healthy rodents. These results indicate that osteoblast-specific aptamer-functionalized LNPs could act as a new RNAi-based bone anabolic strategy, advancing the targeted delivery selectivity of osteogenic siRNAs from the tissue level to the cellular level.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Gene Silencing
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Lipids
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism*
  • Osteogenesis / genetics*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage*
  • Rats

Substances

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Lipids
  • PLEKHO1 protein, human
  • RNA, Small Interfering