DNA Nanostructures and DNA‐Functionalized Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics

Abstract

Dedicated to the life and legacy of Moritz F. Kircher In the last two decades, DNA has attracted significant attention toward the development of materials at the nanoscale for emerging applications due to the unparalleled versatility and programmability of DNA building blocks. DNA-based artificial nanomaterials can be broadly classified into two categories: DNA nanostructures (DNA-NSs) and DNA-functionalized nanoparticles (DNA-NPs). More importantly, their use in nanotheranostics, a field that combines diagnostics with therapy via drug or gene delivery in an all-in-one platform, has been applied extensively in recent years to provide personalized cancer treatments. Conveniently, the ease of attachment of both imaging and therapeutic moieties to DNA-NSs or DNA-NPs enables high biostability, biocompatibility, and drug loading capabilities, and as a consequence, has markedly catalyzed the rapid growth of this field. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent progress of DNA-NSs and DNA-NPs as theranostic agents, the use of DNA-NSs and DNA-NPs as gene and drug delivery platforms, and a perspective on their clinical translation in the realm of oncology.

Biomimetic and Bioinspired Intervention Strategies for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…DNA-based nanomaterials can be generally classified into two groups: DNA-functionalized nanoparticles (DNA-NPs) and DNA nanostructures (DNA-NSs). [144] DNA-NPs are densely coated with functionalized and highly oriented DNA molecules via covalent bonds. [145] DNA-NPs, such as microRNA mimics, aptamers, and DNA decoys, can reduce enzymatic nucleic acid degradation and increase nucleic acid stability in physiological states, making them ideal vehicles for gene therapy.…”

“…Advances in DNA modification technology have markedly improved the stability of DNA-NSs, and it has become a drug carrier for the treatment of several diseases, including cancer and arthritis. [144] In a recent study, Wang et al utilized self-assembled DNA tetrahedrons (TDs) as carriers for NF-κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides and VCAM-1 targeted peptides (TD-P-dODN). [148] In the adjuvant-induced arthritis mouse model, TD-P-dODN significantly accumulated in the inflammatory lesions and exhibited stronger anti-inflammatory ability than free drugs (Figure 12A,B).…”

DNA nanostructure-based nucleic acid probes: construction and biological applications

“… 2,3 Due to the advantages of excellent biocompatibility, low cost, ease of synthesis, modification and functionalization, flexible and diverse signal amplification strategies, and modular structures, nucleic acid probes, especially DNA probes, have been widely used for biosensing, bioimaging and medical diagnosis. 4 However, traditional DNA-based sensing processes are mostly achieved by random diffusion of free DNA probes, which were restricted by limited dynamics and relatively low efficiency. In addition, traditional single-strand DNA probes showed poor cell internalization capability due to their small size, hydrophilic properties, and negatively charged backbone.…”

Gold Nanoparticles in Cancer Theranostics

“…The researches of cancer treatments have been developing at an extremely rapid pace to support the personalized demands for better precision therapeutics. Currently, cancer treatment strategies for solid tumors include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and a combination of some or all of these mentioned approaches (Nicolson et al, 2020). Unsatisfactory antitumor performance and some severe side effects have always been a confusing problem in clinical treatments.…”