Co-delivery of as-miR-21 and 5-FU by PAMAM Dendrimer Attenuates Human Glioma Cell Growth in Vitro

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Researchers from Tianjin University in the People's Republic of China have developed a novel co-delivery system that significantly improves the cytotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and enhances the apoptosis of human glioblastoma cells. The system utilizes poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer to co-deliver antisense-miR-21 oligonucleotide (as-miR-21) and 5-FU to human glioblastoma cells, leading to increased cell growth inhibition, apoptosis, and reduced cell migration.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PAMAM dendrimer was employed as a carrier to co-deliver as-miR-21 and 5-FU to achieve delivery of as-miR-21 to human glioblastoma cells and enhance the cytotoxicity of 5-FU antisense therapy.
  • The inhibitory effect toward brain tumors was evaluated by MTT assay, and measurements of cell apoptosis and invasion using the human brain glioma cell line U251.
  • The co-delivery of as-miR-21 significantly improved the cytotoxicity of 5-FU and dramatically increased the apoptosis of U251 cells.
  • The migration ability of the tumor cells was decreased, indicating potential for the co-delivery system in glioblastoma treatment.
  • The PAMAM dendrimer was able to efficiently introduce both as-miR-21 and 5-FU into tumor cells.
  • The researchers concluded that the co-delivery system may have important clinical applications in the treatment of miR-21-overexpressing glioblastoma.

Statistics:

  • The complex formed by the PAMAM dendrimer loading 5-FU and as-miR-21 had a diameter smaller than 100 nm.
  • The co-delivery of as-miR-21 and 5-FU significantly improved the cytotoxicity of 5-FU (21% increase) and dramatically increased the apoptosis of U251 cells (16% increase).
  • The migration ability of the tumor cells was decreased by 23% using the co-delivery system.

Sources:

  • "Co-delivery of as-miR-21 and 5-FU by poly(amidoamine) dendrimer attenuates human glioma cell growth in vitro." Journal of Biomaterials Science Polymer Edition, 2010;21(3):303-14
  • Cancer Gene Therapy Week editors, Cancer Gene Therapy Week, Copyright 2010, Cancer Gene Therapy Week via NewsRx.com.