We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

LabMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News Expo Clinical Chem. Molecular Diagnostics Hematology Immunology Microbiology Pathology Technology Industry Focus

Nanoparticle-Delivered siRNA Shrinks Tumors in Mouse Model

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 20 Jul 2015
Print article
Image: TEM (transmission electron micrograph) of a mesoporous silica nanoparticle (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Image: TEM (transmission electron micrograph) of a mesoporous silica nanoparticle (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Cancer researchers employed a nanoparticle delivery system to deliver short interfering RNA (siRNA) that blocked the activity of Twist-related protein 1 (TWIST1), which prevented growth and spread of tumors in a mouse model.

TWIST1, also known as class A basic helix-loop-helix protein 38 (bHLHa38), is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that in humans is encoded by the TWIST1 gene. TWIST1 is a transcription factor whose reactivation in tumors leads to epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), including increased cancer stem cell-like behavior, survival, and invasiveness.

Investigators at the University of California, Los Angeles (USA) used polyethyleneimine-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (containing pores with diameters between 2 and 50 nanometers)) to deliver TWIST1 siRNA to mice bearing xenograft tumors. The mice were treated with intravenous injections of the siRNA-nanoparticles weekly for six weeks.

Results published in the June 23, 2015, online edition of the journal Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine revealed that weekly siRNA treatment slowed tumor growth and inhibited not only TWIST1 but also other genes under the control of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process.

“We were truly surprised by the dramatic effect of delivering TWIST1 siRNA,” said contributing author Dr. Fuyu Tamanoi, professor of microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics at the University of California, Los Angeles. “This demonstrates the effectiveness of our treatment and encourages us to explore further what is happening to the tumor.”

Related Links:

University of California, Los Angeles


New
Gold Member
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Assay
TSH EIA 96 Test
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
New
CVD Risk Test
GammaCoeur CVD Risk ELISA Test
New
Incubator
HettCube 120

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The FDA clearance for the QIAstat-Dx Respiratory Panel Mini test follows the recent approval of QIAstat-Dx Respiratory Panel Plus (Photo courtesy of QIAGEN)

Respiratory Panel to Help Clinicians Make Precise Treatment Decisions in Outpatient Settings

Respiratory tract infections are the primary reason for visits to emergency departments and subsequent hospitalizations. In the U.S., it is estimated that there are up to 41 million cases of influenza... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The new technique allows properties of cancer cells and their surrounding tissue to be analyzed in detail at single-cell level (Photo courtesy of Universität Helsinki/Karolina Punovuori)

New Imaging Method Opens Door to Precision Diagnostics for Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers, while considered rare, represent a significant portion of cancer cases and have seen a notable increase over the past 30 years. These cancers encompass various malignant tumors that... Read more