Authors: Hadas Gibori, Shay Eliyahu, Adva Krivitsky, Dikla Ben-Shushan, Yana Epshtein, Galia Tiram, Rachel Blau, Paula Ofek, Joo Sang Lee, Eytan Ruppin, Limor Landsman, Iris Barshack, Talia Golan, Emmanuelle Merquiol, Galia Blum, Ronit Satchi-Fainaro
Summary:
The heterogeneity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) suggests that successful treatment might rely on simultaneous targeting of multiple genes, which can be achieved by RNA interference-based therapeutic strategies. Here we show a potent combination of microRNA and siRNA delivered by an efficient nanocarrier to PDAC tumors. Using proteomic-microRNA profiles and survival data of PDAC patients from TCGA, we found a novel signature for prolonged survival. Accordingly, we used a microRNA-mimic to increase miR-34a together with siRNA to silence PLK1 oncogene. For in vivo dual-targeting of this combination, we developed a biodegradable amphiphilic polyglutamate amine polymeric nanocarrier (APA). APA-miRNA–siRNA polyplexes systemically administered to orthotopically inoculated PDAC-bearing mice showed no toxicity and accumulated at the tumor, resulting in an enhanced antitumor effect due to inhibition of MYC oncogene, a common target of both miR-34a and PLK1. Taken together, our findings warrant this unique combined polyplex’s potential as a novel nanotherapeutic for PDAC.
Source:
Nature Communications, 2018; 9 (1)