Nanoconjugated long non-coding RNA MEG3 as a new therapeutic approach for Hepatocellular carcinoma

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Elzallat M.; Hassan M.; Elkramani N.; Aboushousha T.; AbdelLatif A.; Helal N.; Abu-Taleb H.; El-Ahwany E.

Journal: Heliyon

Publisher: Elsevier Ltd

Publication Date: April 2023

Volume / Issue: Volume 9 / Issue 4

Article No.: e15288

ISSN: 24058440

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15288

Scopus: View on Scopus

Document Type: Article

Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access


Authors and Affiliations

Elzallat M., Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Hassan M., Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Elkramani N., Biotechnology Program and Biology Department, School of Science and Engineering, American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt; Aboushousha T., Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; AbdelLatif A., Biotechnology Program and Biology Department, School of Science and Engineering, American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt; Helal N., Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Abu-Taleb H., Enviromental Research Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; El-Ahwany E., Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt


Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive human cancer with a poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have multiple functions: epigenomic regulation, gene transcription, protein-coding gene translation, and genome defense. The involvement of lncRNAs in therapy offers a vast step in cancer treatment. Objective: In the current study, a novel therapeutic regimen using polymer nanoparticle-mediated delivery of lncRNA was designed to control the progression of hepatocarcinogenesis. Methods: One hundred mice were divided into 5 groups. The first group served as a normal-control group and was injected with saline, whereas the pathological-control group (the second group) was injected with N-Nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) weekly for 16 weeks. Group 3, Group 4, and Group 5 were injected intrahepatically with polymer nanoparticles (NPs) alone, lncRNA MEG3 alone, and conjugated NPs, respectively, once/week for four weeks starting on the 12th week after DEN injection. After 16 weeks, animals were euthanized, and liver specimens and blood samples were collected for pathological, molecular, and biochemical assessment. Results: Compared to the pathological-control group, nanoconjugates lncRNA MEG3 demonstrated a significant improvement in histopathology and tumour-associated biomarkers. Furthermore, the expression of the SENP1 and PCNA was downregulated. Conclusion: MEG3 conjugated nanoparticles can be considered a novel therapeutic regimen for HCC. © 2023 The Authors


Keywords

HCC; LncRNAs; MEG3; Polymer nanoparticles; Therapy


Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 15


For comprehensive information about the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), its institutional activities, scientific and research achievements, clinical and hospital services, and the diverse expertise offered through its 22 specialized research and clinical departments, as well as opportunities for professional training, specialized workshops, and scientific conferences, readers are invited to visit the Institute’s official website.

The website provides regularly updated information on the Institute’s latest news, research activities, scientific initiatives, clinical services, institutional programs, and academic and professional opportunities.

English Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/en/

Arabic Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/ar/

Prepared and Uploaded by:

Abdalla F. Abdalla

Electronic Portal Unit

Electronic Portal Unit

Popular Posts

A cost-performance index for nano-optical biosensor evaluation: Systematic evaluation of europium–salicylate luminescent platforms for GPC3-targeted early HCC diagnosis

Interpretation of liver stiffness measurement in patients with mixed liver disease etiologies

Variable clinical presentations of pulmonary hydatid cysts: a four-case series from a single center in United Arab Emirates, non-endemic region

Mytilus edulis-mediated green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles with antimicrobial and molluscicidal applications

Holothuria arenicola Extract-Loaded Polycaprolactone Nanocapsules Attenuate Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Acute Liver Injury

Microbial levan potentiates hepatic retention and antitumor activity of a PEGylated benzimidazole–curcumin nanocomplex through TLR2–FXR/FGF15-associated immunometabolic remodeling in experimental liver cancer

Corrigendum to ‘Eco-friendly approach for the removal and simultaneous detection of cyanide toxins from drinking and wastewater sources’ [Environ. Pollut. 385 (2025) 127094]