Development of an innovative nanopolymer-lncRNA-SRHC complex as therapeutic modalities for targeted hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Elkramani N.; Elzallat M.; Mohammed D.M.; AbdelLatif A.; Aboushousha T.; El-Ahwany E.

Journal: Scientific Reports

Publisher: Nature Research

Publication Date: 9 May 2026

Volume / Issue: Volume 16 / Issue 1

Article No.: 14695

ISSN: 20452322

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-51340-1

Scopus: View on Scopus

PubMed: 42106389

Document Type: Article

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

Authors and Affiliations

Elkramani N., Biotechnology Program and Biology Department, School of Science and Engineering, American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt; Elzallat M., Laboratory Department, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, Ministry of Health, Jabriya, Kuwait; Mohammed D.M., Nutrition and Food Science Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt; AbdelLatif A., 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; El-Ahwany E., Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global crisis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are anticipated to be significant players in the pathogenesis of HCC in a multitude of ways, including tumor progression, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and recurrence. To limit the progression of hepatocarcinogenesis, we employ a new treatment regimen that delivers lncRNA SRHC via polymer nanoparticles. A total of 100 mice were divided into five different groups. The initial group served as a control and received saline injections. On the other hand, the pathological-control group received weekly N-Nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) injections for 16 weeks. The remaining three groups received injections of polymer nanoparticles (NPs), long noncoding RNA SRHC alone, or conjugated NPs, respectively, once a week for four weeks, starting in the 12th week after DEN injection. After 16 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and liver specimens and blood samples were collected for biochemical, molecular, and pathological evaluations. Using nanoconjugates containing the lncRNA SRHC significantly improved tumor-associated biomarkers and histopathology compared with the pathological-control group. Furthermore, the expression of SENP1 and PCNA was downregulated. In conclusion, SRHC-conjugated nanoparticles are more likely to be considered a cutting-edge HCC treatment protocol. © The Author(s) 2026.

Keywords

Biocompatibility; Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); lncRNA-SRHC; Macromolecular strategy; Nanopolymer conjugates; Targeted drug delivery; Animals; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Mice; Nanoparticles; Polymers; RNA, Long Noncoding; long untranslated RNA; nanoparticle; polymer; animal; chemistry; drug therapy; genetics; human; liver cell carcinoma; liver tumor; mouse; pathology; therapy

Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 0

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