Histidine-Tagged Folate-Targeted Gold Nanoparticles for Enhanced Transgene Expression in Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising treatment strategy in gene therapy, especially against diseases such as cancer. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are regarded as favorable gene delivery vehicles due to their low toxicity, ease of synthesis and ability to be functionalized. This study aimed to prepare functionalized AuNPs (FAuNPs) and evaluate their folate-targeted and nontargeted pCMV-Luc-DNA delivery in breast cancer cells in vitro. CS was added to induce stability and positive charges to the AuNPs (Au-CS), histidine (Au-CS-His) to enhance endosomal escape and folic acid for folate-receptor targeting (Au-CS-FA-His). The FAuNP:pDNA nanocomplexes possessed favorable sizes (<135 nm) and zeta potentials (<−20 mV), strong compaction efficiency and were capable of pDNA protection against nuclease degradation. These nanocomplexes showed minimal cytotoxicity (>73% cell viability) and enhanced transgene activity. The influence of His was notable in the HER2 overexpressing SKBR3 cells, which produced higher gene expression. Furthermore, the FA-targeted nanocomplexes enhanced receptor-mediated endocytosis, especially in MCF-7 cells, as confirmed by the receptor competition assay. While the role of His may need further optimization, the results achieved suggest that these FAuNPs may be suitable gene delivery vehicles for breast cancer therapeutics.

Biomaterials and stem cells as drug/gene-delivery vehicles for Parkinson's treatment: an update

By introducing biomaterials and stem cells into Parkinson’s disease (PD), therapeutic approaches have led to promising results due to facilitating brain targeting and blood–brain barrier permeation of the drugs and genes. Here, after reviewing the most recent drug- and gene-delivery vehicles including liposomes, exosomes, natural/synthetic polymeric particles/fibers, metallic/ceramic nanoparticles and microbubbles, used for Parkinson’s disease treatment, the effect of stem cells as a reservoir of neurotrophic factors and exosomes is provided.

Nanomaterial based gene delivery: a promising method for plant genome engineering

Nanomaterials are emerging as a reliable and novel substitute of conventional gene delivery vehicles for plant genetic engineering.

A multifunctional polymeric gene delivery system for circumventing biological barriers

Crucial light-controlled-ROS and pH-stimulus-responsive functionalities are tailored into a triblock copolymer for manufacture of gene delivery vehicles.

Functionalized gold nanostructures: promising gene delivery vehicles in cancer treatment

Various functions of gold nanoparticles in conjugation with nucleic acids.