Work

Duplex End Breathing Determines Serum Stability and Intracellular Potency of siRNA–Au NPs

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: Structural requirements of siRNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles (siRNA-Au NPs) for Dicer recognition and serum stability were studied. We show that the 3' overhang on the nucleic acids of these particles is preferentially recognized by Dicer but also makes the siRNA duplexes more susceptible to nonspecific serum degradation. Dicer and serum nucleases show lower preference for blunt duplexes as opposed to those with 3' overhangs. Importantly, gold nanoparticles functionalized with blunt duplexes with relatively less thermal breathing are up to 15 times more stable against serum degradation without compromising Dicer recognition. This increased stability leads to a 300% increase in cellular uptake of siRNA-Au NPs and improved gene knockdown.

Source: Molecular Pharmaceutics

DOI: 10.1021/mp200084y

Authors: Pinal C. Patel, Liangliang Hao, Weng Si Au Yeung, Chad A. Mirkin

Institutions: Northwestern University, International Institute for Nanotechnology

Language: English

Topic: RNA Interference and Gene Delivery

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Cancer Institute