Molecules, Vol. 27, Pages 1302: Selenocystine-Derived Label-Free Fluorescent Schiff Base Nanocomplex for siRNA Delivery Synergistically Kills Cancer Cells

In this study, we developed a nanocarrier for siRNA based on a selenocystine analog engineered polyetherimide and achieved traceable siRNA delivery and the synergic killing of tumor cells. Notably, we applied the label-free Schiff base fluorescence mechanism, which enabled us to trace the siRNA delivery and to monitor the selenocystine analogs’ local performance. A novel selenocystine-derived fluorescent Schiff base linker was used to crosslink the polyetherimide, thereby generating a traceable siRNA delivery vehicle with green fluorescence. Moreover, we found that this compound induced tumor cells to undergo senescence. Together with the delivery of a siRNA targeting the anti-apoptotic BCL-xl/w genes in senescent cells, it achieved a synergistic inhibition function by inducing both senescence and apoptosis of tumor cells. Therefore, this study provides insights into the development of label-free probes, prodrugs, and materials towards the synergic strategies for cancer therapy.

Source: Molecules - February 15, 2022 Category: Chemistry Authors: Yang Liu Haoying Yang Qian Liu Mingming Pan Danli Wang Shiyuan Pan Weiran Zhang Jinfeng Wei Xiaowei Zhao Junfeng Ji Tags: Article Source Type: research