Her-2/Neu and Myc Gene Silencing in Breast Cancer: Therapeutic Potential and Advancement in Nonviral Nanocarrier Systems

Abstract

Globally, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women, with approximately 1.4 million new cases diagnosed annually. Associated genetic perturbations are emerging in the face of intense scientific enquiry, facilitating its classification, prognostication and treatment. RNAi, utilizing siRNA, is a powerful treatment strategy to silence disease-causing genes. However, therapeutic siRNA instability and poor cellular uptake have limited its clinical application, necessitating the use of nanocarriers. In this review, we highlight the RNAi mechanism, HER-2/neu and MYC as breast cancer gene targets, and nonviral nanocarriers as potentially safe and efficient delivery systems.

Nanomedicine for Neurodegenerative Disorders: Focus on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases

“…The application of mesoporous silica NPs (MSNs) as nano-delivery vehicles has gained significant momentum due to their porous structures that offer both inner and outer increased surface areas for therapeutic cargo [73,74]. This porous nature of MSNs allows for the possible combination delivery of therapeutic genes and drugs, which can improve biological activity [75]. Quercetin-encapsulated silica NPs have demonstrated potential against Cu-induced oxidative stress observed in neurodegenerative diseases [76] Iron oxides, commonly referred to as magnetic NPs (MNPs), including maghemites, magnetites and ferrites, have been widely studied in nanomedicine due to their low cytotoxicity, biodegradability, stability, magnetization, biocompatibility, low sensitivity to oxidation and reactive surfaces, non-carcinogenicity, and ease of synthesis and modification [77].…”

“…Quantum dots (QDs) have unique optical properties, but due to their composition, which often includes metals such as cadmium and zinc, they tend to be toxic. This could be overcome using modified core-shell QDs or coated QDs [75]. Carbon nanotubes, either single-walled or multi-walled, can readily enter cells.…”

“…The use of polymeric delivery systems has evolved over the years, with cationic polymers being favoured due to their ability to bind anionic molecules such as nucleic acids. In addition, the chosen polymers must be biocompatible, biodegradable, and stable in vivo [75]. Hence, polymers such as dendrimers have been popular due to their many cationic groups.…”

Cell Membrane-Coated Halloysite Nanotubes for Target-Specific Nanocarrier for Cancer Phototherapy

“…So far, a variety of organic nanoparticles have shown their highly efficiency in the treatment of breast cancer with low toxicity [ 9 ], including liposomes [ 10 , 11 ], polymer micelles [ 12 , 13 ] and dendrimers [ 14 , 15 ]. In addition, inorganic nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention due to their nanoscale size, good stability and ease of synthesis and modification [ 16 ]. Compared with organic nanoparticles which usually use in vivo stimulation to achieve controlled drug release, inorganic nanoparticles can use external stimuli such as light, magnetic field irradiation and ultrasound to kill cancer cells directly, which has more advantages on the temporal and spatial control of cancer therapy [ 17 ].…”

Chitosan, Polyethylene Glycol and Polyvinyl Alcohol Modified MgFe2O4 Ferrite Magnetic Nanoparticles in Doxorubicin Delivery: A Comparative Study In Vitro

“…Chitosan (CHI), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were the three organic polymers used in this study and have been reported previously for coating of Mg 0.5 Co 0.5 Fe 2 O 4 nano-ferrites [ 21 ]. CHI is derived from chitin and is a biocompatible, biodegradable linear polysaccharide that contains a variety of reactive functional groups such as amines that can aid in securing the conjugation of therapeutics, imaging agents and targeting ligands [ 22 ]. PVA is a water-soluble hydrophilic organic polymer with exceptional functionalization capabilities, adhesive attributes accompanied by excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability.…”