Methods for assembling B-cell lymphoma specific and internalizing aptamer-siRNA nanoparticles via the sticky bridge

Methods Mol Biol. 2015:1297:169-85. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2562-9_12.

Abstract

Structured functional RNA entities, including aptamers and siRNAs, have amazing versatility in structure and function. These molecules can serve as powerful, attractive building blocks for the bottom-up assembly of complex nanostructures. Here, we describe novel cell-type specific and internalizing B-cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) aptamer-siRNA delivery systems for B-cell lymphoma therapy, in which both the aptamer and the Dicer substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) portions are conjugated through a "sticky bridge." The BAFF-R is overexpressed on the surface of B-cell malignancies, allowing binding and internalization of the aptamer-stick-siRNA nanoparticles. STAT3 siRNAs are encapsulated within the nanoparticles delivered by the BAFF-R aptamers and are localized to the cytoplasm, resulting in robust gene silencing of STAT3 mRNAs in a variety of B-cell lines. Moreover, these nanoparticles do not induce cell proliferation and apoptosis. Collectively, aptamer-mediated delivery strategies provide a toolset to become a more widely used therapeutic modality for the treatment of diseases.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / chemistry
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / genetics*
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / therapeutic use
  • CHO Cells
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Gene Silencing
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / genetics*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / therapy
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Nanoparticles / therapeutic use*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / chemistry
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / therapeutic use
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / genetics

Substances

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • STAT3 protein, human