A DNA Nano-train Carrying a Predefined Drug Combination for Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Herein, we reported a tumor cell-targeting aptamer-nano-train to deliver paclitaxel(PTX) and combretastatin A4(CA4) at a predefined ratio to cancer cells based on DNA nanotechnology. Such a drug-carrying aptamer-nano-train(aptamer-NT-PTX/CA4) was prepared via self-assembly of two DNA hairpins, which were conjugated with PTX and CA4, respectively, induced by aptamer trigger. Our research revealed that the aptamer-NT-PTX/CA4 could specifically recognize CD71-positive cancer cells, but not CD71-negative healthy normal cells, and achieve synergistic therapeutic effect on cancer cells. The aptamer-nano-train-based strategy is simple and efficient, and provides a new platform for drug combination cancer therapy.

Keywords

Targeted therapy / Drug combination cancer therapy / Aptamer / DNA nanostructure

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