Liposomal nanocarriers containing siRNA as small molecule-based drugs to overcome cancer drug resistance

Exosome-based approaches in cancer along with unlocking new insights into regeneration of cancer-prone tissues

Most eukaryotic cells secrete extracellular vesicles called exosomes, which are involved in intercellular communication. Exosomes play a role in tumor development and metastasis by transporting bioactive chemicals from cancerous cells to other cells in local and distant microenvironments. However, the potential of exosomes can be used by engineering them and considering different therapeutic approaches to overcome tumors. Exosomes are a promising drug delivery approach that can help decrease side effects from traditional treatments like radiation and chemotherapy by acting as targeted agents at the tumor site. The present review provides an overview of exosomes and various aspects of the role of exosomes in cancer development, which include these items: exosomes in cancer diagnosis, exosomes and drug delivery, exosomes and drug resistance, exosomal microRNAs and exosomes in tumor microenvironment, etc. Cancer stem cells release exosomes that nurture tumors, promoting unwanted growth and regeneration, and these types of exosomes should be inhibited. Ironically, exosomes from other cells, such as hepatocytes or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are vital for healing organs like the liver and repairing gastric ulcers. Without proper treatment, this healing process can backfire, potentially leading to disease progression or even cancer. What can be found from various studies about the role of exosomes in the field of cancer is that exosomes act like a double-edged sword; on the other hand, natural exosomes in the body may play an important role in the process and progression of cancer, but by engineering exosomes, they can be directed towards target therapy and targeted delivery of drugs to tumor cells. By examining the role and application of exosomes in various mechanisms of cancer, it is possible to help treat this disease more efficiently and quickly in preclinical and clinical research.

siRNA-based therapy for overcoming drug resistance in human solid tumours; molecular and immunological approaches

RNA interference (RNAi) is a primordial biological process that protects against external intrusion. SiRNA has the potential to selectively silence disease-related genes in a sequence-specific way, thus offering a promising therapeutic approach. The efficacy of siRNA-based therapies in cancer treatment has gained significant recognition due to multiple studies demonstrating its ability to effectively suppress cancer cells' growth and multiplication. Moreover, siRNA-based medicines have shown considerable promise in enhancing the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy and other treatment methods by suppressing genes that play a role in the development of drug resistance. Exploring and identifying functional genes linked to cancer cell characteristics and drug resistance is crucial for developing effective siRNAs for cancer treatment and advancing targeted and personalized therapeutics. Targeting and silencing genes in charge of resistance mechanisms, such as those involved in drug efflux, cell survival, or DNA repair, is possible with siRNA therapy in the context of drug resistance, especially cancer. Through inhibiting these genes, siRNA therapy can prevent resistance and restore the efficacy of traditional medications. This review addresses the potential of siRNAs in addressing drug resistance in human tumours, opening up new possibilities in cancer therapy. This review article offers a non-systematic summary of how different siRNA types contribute to cancer cells' treatment resistance. Using pertinent keywords, sources were chosen from reliable databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The review covered essential papers in this area and those that mainly addressed the function of siRNA in drug resistance. The articles examined in connection with the title of this review were primarily published from 2020 onward and are based on in vitro studies. Furthermore, this article examines the potential barriers and prospective perspectives of siRNA therapies.

Enhanced anti-tumor therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma via sorafenib and KIAA1199-siRNA co-delivery liposomes

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. Sorafenib (Sf) is currently the first-line treatment for HCC. However, due to the side effects and unsatisfied efficiency of Sf, it is urgent to combine different therapeutic agents to inhibit HCC progression and increase the therapeutic efficacy. Here, our study constructed a Sf and KIAA1199-siRNA co-loaded liposome Sf-Lp-KIAA, which was prepared by electrostatic interaction of KIAA1199-siRNA and Sf loaded liposome (Sf-Lp). The particle size, zeta potential, the in vitro cumulative release was investigated. The physical and chemical properties were characterized, and the inhibition of HepG2 growth and metastasis in vitro was investigated. The cellular uptake of the co-loaded liposome was significantly higher than that of free siRNA, and the drug/siRNA could be co-delivered to the target cells. Sf-Lp-KIAA could significantly inhibit the growth, migration, invasion and down-regulate KIAA1199 expression of HepG2 cells in vitro than that of single Sf treated group. In addition, the co-delivery liposome accumulated in the HepG2 subcutaneous tumor model and suppress tumor growth after systemic administration without induce obvious toxicity. The present study implied that the co-delivery of Sf and KIAA1199-siRNA through the co-loaded liposomes exerted synergistic antitumor effects on HCC, which would lay a foundation for HCC therapy in the future.