Systemic delivery of E6/7 siRNA using novel lipidic particles and its application with cisplatin in cervical cancer mouse models

Gene Ther. 2011 Jan;18(1):14-22. doi: 10.1038/gt.2010.113. Epub 2010 Aug 12.

Abstract

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) shows great promise in cancer therapy, but its effectiveness in vivo still remains a crucial issue for its transition into the clinics. Although the successful use of polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated lipidic delivery systems have already been reported, most of the formulation procedures used are labour intensive and also result in unstable end products. We have previously developed a simple yet efficient hydration-of-freeze-dried-matrix (HFDM) method to entrap siRNA within lipid particles, in which the products exhibited superior stability. Here, we show that these HFDM-formulated particles are stable in the presence of serum and can deliver siRNA efficiently to tumours after intravenous administration. Using these particles, around 50% knockdown of the target gene expression was observed in tumours. With the use of siRNA targeting the E6/7 oncogenes expressed in cervical cancer, we showed a 50% reduction in tumour size. This level of tumour growth suppression was comparable to that achieved from cisplatin at the clinically used dose. Overall, our results demonstrate the feasibility of using HFDM-formulated particles to systematically administer E6/7-targeted siRNA for cervical cancer treatment. The simplicity of preparation procedure along with superior product stability obtained from our method offers an innovative approach for the in vivo delivery of siRNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cervix Uteri / drug effects
  • Cervix Uteri / metabolism
  • Cervix Uteri / pathology
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage*
  • Cisplatin / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Gene Silencing
  • Lipids / chemistry*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neoplasms
  • Oncogene Proteins, Viral / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Oncogene Proteins, Viral / genetics
  • Papillomavirus E7 Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Papillomavirus E7 Proteins / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Repressor Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Transfection
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • E6 protein, Human papillomavirus type 16
  • Lipids
  • Oncogene Proteins, Viral
  • Papillomavirus E7 Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Cisplatin