Systemic siRNA delivery to leukocyte-implicated diseases

Cell Cycle. 2009 Mar 15;8(6):853-9. doi: 10.4161/cc.8.6.7936. Epub 2009 Mar 26.

Abstract

Short interfering RNA (siRNA), a small duplex of RNA fragment, has proved as an extremely useful research tool to interrogate gene functions in test tubes. However, the transformation of siRNAs from a functional genomic tool into a new therapeutic modality has been hindered by ineffective delivery methods for systemic administration. In this review, we will discuss the recent advances in formulating new delivery strategies that target siRNAs to specific cells following systemic administration. Special emphasis will be given to leukocytes, since siRNA delivery remains exceptionally challenging here due to the unavailability of effective delivery technologies. We will not only detail new platforms that utilize leukocyte integrins as receptor targets for siRNAs delivery, but also show how one of these strategies has been utilized for in vivo drug target validation of a novel anti-inflammatory target, cyclin D1, for inflammatory bowel diseases.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cyclin D1 / metabolism*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / therapy*
  • Leukocytes / metabolism*
  • Nanoparticles / administration & dosage*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Cyclin D1