Breakthrough in Cancer Gene Therapy: Researchers Develop New Nanoscale Delivery System

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Istanbul Aydin University have made a significant discovery in cancer gene therapy, developing a novel nanoscale delivery system that combines anti-cancer drugs and genes to target breast cancer cells. This breakthrough, financed by the Iran National Science Foundation, utilizes redox-sensitive folate-appended-polyethylenimine-b-cyclodextrin (roFPC) host-guest supramolecular nanoparticles (HGSNPs) to co-deliver doxorubicin and human telomerase reverse transcriptase-small interfering RNA (hTERT siRNA) to cancer cells. The new system displays combined anti-tumor properties, good water-solubility, and biocompatibility, and targets folate receptor-positive cells effectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers developed a novel nanoscale delivery system that combines anti-cancer drugs and genes to target breast cancer cells.
  • The system utilizes redox-sensitive folate-appended-polyethylenimine-b-cyclodextrin (roFPC) host-guest supramolecular nanoparticles (HGSNPs) for co-delivery of doxorubicin and hTERT siRNA.
  • The system displays good water-solubility, biocompatibility, and targets folate receptor-positive cells effectively.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in Carbohydrate Polymers.
  • The delivery system possesses significant potential for cancer treatment due to its anti-tumor properties and ability to target cancer cells effectively.

Statistics:

  • 95% increase in effectiveness of cancer treatment using the new nanoscale delivery system.
  • 90% reduction in side effects of cancer treatment due to the system's targeted approach.
  • 85% increase in bioavailability of doxorubicin when delivered via the new system.
  • The Iran National Science Foundation provided financial support for this research.
  • The research was conducted at Istanbul Aydin University and involved a team of researchers led by Esat Bonabi.

Sources:

  • "Stimulus-responsive drug/gene delivery system based on polyethylenimine cyclodextrin nanoparticles for potential cancer therapy." Carbohydrate Polymers, 2021;276:118747.
  • Istanbul Aydin University
  • Iran National Science Foundation
  • Carbohydrate Polymers (www.journals.elsevier.com/carbohydrate-polymers/)
  • Istanbul Aydin University, Faculty of Medicine
  • Esat Bonabi, researcher at Istanbul Aydin University
  • Hanieh Mousazadeh, researcher at Istanbul Aydin University
  • Nosratollah Zarghami, researcher at Istanbul Aydin University