Multifunctional gene delivery vectors containing different liver-targeting fragments for specifically transfecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells

J Mater Chem B. 2023 Oct 18;11(40):9721-9731. doi: 10.1039/d3tb01866k.

Abstract

Gene therapy is a promising strategy for HCC treatment, but it commonly faces the problem of low specificity in gene transfection. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of peptide-based gene delivery vectors (H-01 to H-18) containing varied HCC cell-targeting fragments for specifically binding different receptors highly expressed on HCC cell membranes. The physicochemical properties of peptide vectors or peptide/DNA complexes were characterized, and the gene delivery abilities of peptide vectors were evaluated in HepG2 cell lines. The results showed that peptide vectors H-02 and H-09, which contained targeted fragments for ACE2 and c-Met receptors, respectively, could specifically transfect HCC cells in a highly -efficient manner in vitro. Furthermore, the liver-targeting function in vivo of Cy5.5 labeled H-02 (H-17) and H-09 (H-18) was investigated by fluorescence imaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / pathology
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Peptides / chemistry

Substances

  • Peptides