Nanoconjugates Mimic RNAi

Abstract

A new type of nanoparticle-based conjugate is a promising alternative to RNA interference (RNAi) agents for controlling gene expression by cutting RNA selectively in cells, according to its developers (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1207766109). The researchers demonstrated the capabilities of the conjugates, which they call nanozymes, by using them to cleave viral RNA and suppress viral replication in cultured cells and in mice. The nanozymes so far seem to be more stable, longer lasting, and less toxic than RNAi agents. If those qualities prove out in future work, nanozymes may have potential as therapeutics for diseases that can be treated by controlling gene expression. Chemist Y. Charles Cao and pathologist Chen Liu at the University of Florida designed nanozymes to mimic RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs). The working components of RNAi, RISCs use endonucleases and target-complementing strands from small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to cleave RNA in cells. Nanozymes are ...