Nucleic Acid Nanotechnology for Diagnostics and Therapeutics in Acute Kidney Injury

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has impacted a heavy burden on global healthcare system with a high morbidity and mortality in both hospitalized and critically ill patients. However, there are still some shortcomings in clinical approaches for the disease to date, appealing for an earlier recognition and specific intervention to improve long-term outcomes. In the past decades, owing to the predictable base-pairing rule and highly modifiable characteristics, nucleic acids have already become significant biomaterials for nanostructure and nanodevice fabrication, which is known as nucleic acid nanotechnology. In particular, its excellent programmability and biocompatibility have further promoted its intersection with medical challenges. Lately, there have been an influx of research connecting nucleic acid nanotechnology with the clinical needs for renal diseases, especially AKI. In this review, we begin with the diagnostics of AKI based on nucleic acid nanotechnology with a highlight on aptamer- and probe-functionalized detection. Then, recently developed nanoscale nucleic acid therapeutics towards AKI will be fully elucidated. Furthermore, the strengths and limitations will be summarized, envisioning a wiser and wider application of nucleic acid nanotechnology in the future of AKI.

Cisplatin induces acute kidney injury by downregulating miR‐30e‐5p that targets Galnt3 to activate the AMPK signaling pathway

“…Moreover, the potent efficacy of nanomedicines in treating AKI can be attributed to their high biostability and compatibility. 38 Importantly, the unique size and different surface modification strategies of nanodrugs provide significant advantages for their renal targeting. 39 MOFs are crystalline materials with periodic reticular structures formed by organic ligands…”

“…The rapid development of nanotechnology and the strong potential of different ROS‐scavenging nanomedicines have paved the way for the development of new AKI treatments. Moreover, the potent efficacy of nanomedicines in treating AKI can be attributed to their high biostability and compatibility 38 . Importantly, the unique size and different surface modification strategies of nanodrugs provide significant advantages for their renal targeting 39 .…”