Single vehicular delivery of siRNA and small molecules to control stem cell differentiation

J Am Chem Soc. 2013 Oct 23;135(42):15682-15685. doi: 10.1021/ja4071738. Epub 2013 Oct 11.

Abstract

Achieving a controlled and reproducible means to direct stem cell differentiation is the single most critical concern scientists have been trying to address since the discovery of stem cells. In this regard, the use of small molecules and RNA interference offers unique advantages by targeting different cellular mechanisms. Our cyclodextrin-modified dendritic polyamine construct (termed DexAM) combines the unique properties of two distinct chemical moieties in a single delivery vehicle. DexAM is a single vehicle that not only solubilizes hydrophobic small molecules in physiological solutions but also forms complexes with siRNA molecules, making it an attractive delivery system for controlling stem cell differentiation. Herein, we report the synthesis and application of DexAM to simultaneously deliver hydrophobic small molecules and siRNA into neural stem cells to significantly enhance their neuronal differentiation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects*
  • Cell Line
  • Cyclodextrins / administration & dosage
  • Cyclodextrins / chemistry
  • Cyclodextrins / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neural Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Neural Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Polyamines / administration & dosage
  • Polyamines / chemistry
  • Polyamines / pharmacology*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage
  • RNA, Small Interfering / chemistry
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Cyclodextrins
  • Polyamines
  • RNA, Small Interfering