The mechanisms of tanshinone in the treatment of tumors

Zwitterionic materials for nucleic acid delivery and therapeutic applications

Nucleic acid therapeutics have demonstrated substantial potential in combating various diseases. However, challenges persist, particularly in the delivery of multifunctional nucleic acids. To address this issue, numerous gene delivery vectors have been developed to fully unlock the potential of gene therapy. The advancement of innovative materials with exceptional delivery properties is critical to propel the clinical translation of nucleic acid drugs. Cationic vector materials have received extensive attention, while zwitterionic materials remain relatively underappreciated in delivery. In this review, we outline a diverse range of zwitterionic material nucleic acid carriers, predominantly encompassing zwitterionic lipids, polymers and peptides. Their respective chemical structures, synthesis approaches, properties, advantages, and therapeutic applications are summarized and discussed. Furthermore, we highlight the challenges and future opportunities associated with the development of zwitterionic vector materials. This review will aid to understand the zwitterionic materials in aiding gene delivery, contributing to the continual progress of nucleic acid therapeutics.

Miltiradiene Production by Cytoplasmic Metabolic Engineering in Nicotiana benthamiana

Plant natural products are important sources of innovative drugs, but the extraction and isolation of medicinal natural products from plants is challenging as these compounds have complex structures that are difficult to synthesize chemically. Therefore, utilizing heterologous expression systems to produce medicinal natural products in plants is a novel, environmentally friendly, and sustainable method. In this study, Nicotiana benthamiana was used as the plant platform to successfully produce miltiradiene, the key intermediate of tanshinones, which are the bioactive constituents of the Chinese medicinal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza. The yield of miltiradiene was increased through cytoplasmic engineering strategies combined with the enhancement of isoprenoid precursors. Additionally, we discovered that overexpressing SmHMGR alone accelerated apoptosis in tobacco leaves. Due to the richer membrane systems and cofactors in tobacco compared to yeast, tobacco is more conducive to the expression of plant enzymes. Therefore, this study lays the foundation for dissecting the tanshinone biosynthetic pathway in tobacco, which is essential for subsequent research. Additionally, it highlights the potential of N. benthamiana as an alternative platform for the production of natural products in plants.