Opportunities Offered by Graphene Nanoparticles for MicroRNAs Delivery for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the degeneration and death of motor neurons. This neurodegenerative disease leads to muscle atrophy, paralysis, and death due to respiratory failure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding ribonucleic acids (RNAs) with a length of 19 to 25 nucleotides, participating in the regulation of gene expression. Different studies have demonstrated that miRNAs deregulation is critical for the onset of a considerable number of neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. Some studies have underlined how miRNAs are deregulated in ALS patients and for this reason, design therapies are used to correct the aberrant expression of miRNAs. With this rationale, delivery systems can be designed to target specific miRNAs. Specifically, these systems can be derived from viral vectors (viral systems) or synthetic or natural materials, including exosomes, lipids, and polymers. Between many materials used for non-viral vectors production, the two-dimensional graphene and its derivatives represent a good alternative for efficiently delivering nucleic acids. The large surface-to-volume ratio and ability to penetrate cell membranes are among the advantages of graphene. This review focuses on the specific pathogenesis of miRNAs in ALS and on graphene delivery systems designed for gene delivery to create a primer for future studies in the field.

Effects of Cationic Dendrimers and Their Complexes with microRNAs on Immunocompetent Cells

“…Targeting more than one messenger RNA, a single miR may have various biological effects related to the modulation of genes’ expression [ 6 , 7 ]. Alternatively, desired effects can be reached by inhibiting existing cellular miRs using synthetic antagonist oligonucleotides [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Due to the pleiotropic effects, miR-based therapy can be a promising approach for immunotherapeutic protocols.…”

Nanoparticles for efficient drug delivery and drug resistance in glioma: New perspectives

“…The material's high electrical conductivity, high strength, high flexibility, and high transparency make it suitable for a wide range of applications in electronics, energy, and biomedicine 124–126 . Graphene nanomaterials can be used to make thinner, stronger, and more transparent materials and devices, such as flexible displays, solar cells, and biosensors 127–129 . In addition, graphene nanomaterials can be used for highly efficient electrocatalysts and battery electrode materials, as well as biomedical applications such as drug delivery and bioimaging 130–132 .…”

“… 124 , 125 , 126 Graphene nanomaterials can be used to make thinner, stronger, and more transparent materials and devices, such as flexible displays, solar cells, and biosensors. 127 , 128 , 129 In addition, graphene nanomaterials can be used for highly efficient electrocatalysts and battery electrode materials, as well as biomedical applications such as drug delivery and bioimaging. 130 , 131 , 132 There are various methods for the preparation of graphene nanomaterials, including chemical vapor deposition, exfoliation, and reduction of graphene oxide.…”