Self-assembling ferritin-dendrimer nanoparticles for targeted delivery of nucleic acids to myeloid leukemia cells

Abstract Background In recent years, the use of ferritins as nano-vehicles for drug delivery is taking center stage. Compared to other similar nanocarriers, Archaeoglobus fulgidus ferritin particularly interesting due its unique ability assemble-disassemble under very mild conditions. Recently this was engineered get a chimeric protein targeted human CD71 receptor, typically overexpressed in cancer cells. Results used generate self-assembling hybrid nanoparticle hosting an aminic dendrimer together with small nucleic acid. The positively charged can indeed establish electrostatic interactions internal surface, allowing formation protein-dendrimer binary system. 4 large triangular openings on shell represent gate negatively RNAs, which access cavity attracted by dense positive charge dendrimer. This ternary protein-dendrimer-RNA system efficiently uptaken acute myeloid leukemia cells, difficult transfect. As proof concept, we microRNA whose cellular and induced phenotypic effects be easily detected. article have demonstrated that successfully delivers pre-miRNA Once delivered, acid released into cytosol processed mature miRNA, thus eliciting morphological changes initial stages granulocyte differentiation. Conclusion results here presented pave way design new family protein-based transfecting agents specifically target wide range diseased Graphic abstract