Gene silencing effect of SiRNA-magnetic modified with biodegradable copolymer nanoparticles on hTERT gene expression in lung cancer cell line.

Background: Telomerase is expressed in most of malignant cells, including lung cancer cells. The success of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in silencing of the telomerase catalytic subunit depends upon carriers ability to efficiently deliver therapeutic agent to cells with minimal toxicity and most biocompatibility. In this study, a potential carrier for efficient delivery was assessed by siRNA encapsulating into Iron MNPs modified with biodegradable polyester nanoparticles consisting of PLGA and PEG.

Results: Data analysis shows that the self-assemble diblock copolymers were synthesized, and then the siRNA designed against hTERT catalytic subunit was encapsulated. Also, the rate of telomerase gene expression in equivalent with magnetic copolymers/siRNA was lower than that of free siRNA (P = 0.001).

Conclusions: In conclusion, regarding the enhancing of siRNA stability by magnetic copolymer, the expression of telomerase gene was significantly lower in the cells treated with siRNA-magnetic copolymers than those treated with free siRNA.