Supramolecular aptamer nano-constructs for receptor-mediated targeting and light-triggered release of chemotherapeutics into cancer cells

Nat Commun. 2018 Feb 7;9(1):535. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-02929-2.

Abstract

Platforms for targeted drug-delivery must simultaneously exhibit serum stability, efficient directed cell internalization, and triggered drug release. Here, using lipid-mediated self-assembly of aptamers, we combine multiple structural motifs into a single nanoconstruct that targets hepatocyte growth factor receptor (cMet). The nanocarrier consists of lipidated versions of a cMet-binding aptamer and a separate lipidated GC-rich DNA hairpin motif loaded with intercalated doxorubicin. Multiple 2',6'-dimethylazobenzene moieties are incorporated into the doxorubicin-binding motif to trigger the release of the chemotherapeutics by photoisomerization. The lipidated DNA scaffolds self-assemble into spherical hybrid-nanoconstructs that specifically bind cMet. The combined features of the nanocarriers increase serum nuclease resistance, favor their import into cells presumably mediated by endocytosis, and allow selective photo-release of the chemotherapeutic into the targeted cells. cMet-expressing H1838 tumor cells specifically internalize drug-loaded nanoconstructs, and subsequent UV exposure enhances cell mortality. This modular approach thus paves the way for novel classes of powerful aptamer-based therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage*
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / chemistry
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / chemistry*
  • Azo Compounds / chemistry
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage*
  • Doxorubicin / chemistry
  • Drug Carriers*
  • Endocytosis
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
  • Humans
  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Nanostructures*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met / metabolism*
  • Ultraviolet Rays*

Substances

  • 2',6'-dimethylazobenzene
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Azo Compounds
  • Drug Carriers
  • Lipids
  • Doxorubicin
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met