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Genetic research

siRNA-Based Therapy Shows Promise in Targeting Tumor Microenvironment in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center have made significant strides in developing a novel therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by leveraging siRNA-based technology in conjunction with biomimetic nanovesicles. The study, published in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology, demonstrates the efficacy of this approach in modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) to inhibit cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion. According to the research, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in driving progression through intercellular communication, and targeting ACTN1, a gene highly expressed in CAFs, has shown promise in reducing cytokine secretion and tumor growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center have developed a novel siRNA-based therapy that targets the tumor microenvironment in NSCLC.
  • The therapy uses biomimetic nanovesicles composed of cancer-associated fibroblast membranes and a liposome core to deliver siRNA against ACTN1, a gene highly expressed in CAFs.
  • In vitro studies showed that the nanovesicles modulated cytokine secretion (IL-6 and CCL2) to inhibit NSCLC cell growth, migration, and invasion.
  • In vivo studies corroborated these findings, demonstrating reduced cytokine secretion and attenuated tumor growth.
  • The research demonstrated that targeting ACTN1 using siRNA-based therapy has the potential to modulate the TME in NSCLC.
  • Li Gong from the State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China was a lead researcher on the study, which included additional authors from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center.
  • The study was published in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology, a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Statistics:

  • The study was published in June 2025 (exact date not specified).
  • The Journal of Nanobiotechnology is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes articles on the application of nanotechnology in medicine and biology.
  • The study involved in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate the efficacy of the siRNA-based therapy.
  • The nanovesicles used in the study were composed of cancer-associated fibroblast membranes and a liposome core.
  • The siRNA used in the study targeted the ACTN1 gene, which is highly expressed in CAFs.

Sources:

  • (Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center), Researchers at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center Release New Data on siRNA-Based Therapy (Targeting tumor microenvironment with biomimetic nanovesicles for non-small cell lung cancer gene therapy).
  • Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2025;23(1):624.
  • Bmc, Campus, 4 Crinan St, London N1 9XW, England (publisher of the Journal of Nanobiotechnology).
  • Li Gong, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China (lead researcher).
  • Journal of Nanobiotechnology, www.jnanobiotechnology.com.
  • BioMed Central, www.biomedcentral.com.

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