Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acid-Based Delivery of Resveratrol Alleviates Insulin Resistance:From Innate to Adaptive Immunity

Obesity-induced insulin resistance is the hallmark of metabolic syndrome,and chronic,low-grade tissue inflammation links obesity to insulin resistance through the activation of tissue-infiltrating immune cells.Current therapeutic approaches lack efficacy and immunomodulatory capacity.Thus,a new therapeutic approach is needed to prevent chronic inflammation and alleviate insulin resistance.Here,we synthesized a tetrahedral framework nucleic acid(tFNA)nanoparticle that carried resveratrol(RSV)to inhibit tissue inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity in obese mice.The prepared nanoparticles,namely tFNAs-RSV,possessed the characteristics of simple synthesis,stable properties,good water solubility,and superior biocompatibility.The tFNA-based delivery ameliorated the lability of RSV and enhanced its therapeutic efficacy.In high-fat diet(HFD)-fed mice,the administration of tFNAs-RSV ameliorated insulin resistance by alleviating inflammation status.tFNAs-RSV could reverse M1 phenotype macrophages in tissues to M2 phenotype macrophages.As for adaptive immunity,the prepared nanoparticles could repress the activation of Th1 and Th17 and promote Th2 and Treg,leading to the alleviation of insulin resistance.Furthermore,this study is the first to demonstrate that tFNAs,a nucleic acid material,possess immunomodulatory capacity.Collectively,our findings demonstrate that tFNAs-RSV alleviate insulin resistance and ameliorate inflammation in HFD mice,suggesting that nucleic acid materials or nucleic acid-based delivery systems may be a potential agent for the treatment of insulin resistance and obesity-related metabolic diseases.

Research advances of tetrahedral framework nucleic acid-based systems in biomedicine

This article reviews the latest research advances of tetrahedral framework nucleic acid(t FNA)-based systems in their fabrication,modification,and the potential applications in biomedicine.TFNA arises from the synthesis of four single-stranded DNA chains.Each chain contains brief sequences that complement those found in the other three,culminating in the creation of a pyramid-shaped nanostructure of approximately 10 nanometers in size.The first generation of t FNA demonstrates inherent compatibility with biological systems and the ability to permeate cell membrane effectively.These attributes translate into remarkable capabilities for regulating various cellular biological processes,fostering tissue regeneration,and modulating immune responses.The subsequent evolution of t FNA introduces enhanced adaptability and a relatively higher degree of biological stability.This advancement encompasses structural modifications,such as the addition of functional domains at the vertices or side arms,integration of low molecular weight pharmaceuticals,and the implementation of diverse strategies aimed at reversing multi-drug resistance in tumor cells or microorganisms.These augmentations empower t FNA-based systems to be utilized in different scenarios,thus broadening their potential applications in various biomedical fields.

Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids promote the proliferation and differentiation potential of diabetic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell

Diabetes mellitus considerably affects bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs),for example,by inhibiting their proliferation and differentiation potential,which enhances the difficulty in endogenous bone regeneration.Hence,effective strategies for enhancing the functions of BMSCs in diabetes have farreaching consequences for bone healing and regeneration in diabetes patients.Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids(tFNAs)are nucleic acid nanomaterials that can autonomously enter cells and regulate their behaviors.In this study,we evaluated the effects of tFNAs on BMSCs from diabetic rats.We found that tFNAs could promote the proliferation,migration,and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs from rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus,and inhibited cell senescence and apoptosis.Furthermore,tFNAs effectively scavenged the accumulated reactive oxygen species and activated the suppressed protein kinase B(Akt)signaling pathway.Overall,we show that tFNAs can recover the proliferation and osteogenic potential of diabetic BMSCs by alleviating oxidative stress and activating Akt signaling.The study provides a strategy for endogenous bone regeneration in diabetes and also paves the way for exploiting DNA-based nanomaterials in regenerative medicine.

A novel mesenchymal stem cell-targeting dual-miRNA delivery system based on aptamer-functionalized tetrahedral framework nucleic acids:Application to endogenous regeneration of articular cartilage

Articular cartilage injury(ACI)remains one of the key challenges in regenerative medicine,as current treatment strategies do not result in ideal regeneration of hyaline-like cartilage.Enhancing endogenous repair via micro-RNAs(miRNAs)shows promise as a regenerative therapy.miRNA-140 and miRNA-455 are two key and promising candidates for regulating the chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs).In this study,we innovatively synthesized a multifunctional tetrahedral framework in which a nucleic acid(tFNA)-based targeting miRNA codelivery system,named A-T-M,was used.With tFNAs as vehicles,miR-140 and miR-455 were connected to and modified on tFNAs,while Apt19S(a DNA aptamer targeting MSCs)was directly integrated into the nanocomplex.The relevant results showed that A-T-M efficiently delivered miR-140 and miR-455 into MSCs and subsequently regulated MSC chondrogenic differentiation through corresponding mechanisms.Interestingly,a synergistic effect between miR-140 and miR-455 was revealed.Furthermore,A-T-M successfully enhanced the endogenous repair capacity of articular cartilage in vivo and effectively inhibited hypertrophic chondrocyte formation.A-T-M provides a new perspective and strategy for the regeneration of articular cartilage,showing strong clinical application value in the future treatment of ACI.

Coating tetrahedral DNA framework with endosomolytic peptides for improved stability and cytosolic delivery

DNA nanostructures have emerged as promising carriers for drug delivery.However,challenges such as low stability,poor cellular uptake efficiency,and vulnerability to lysosomal degradation still hinder their therapeutic potential.In this study,we demonstrate the coating of tetrahedral DNA frameworks(TDF)with the endosomolytic peptide L17E through electrostatic interactions to address these issues.Our findings highlight that L17E coating substantially enhances the stability of TDFs and improves their uptake efficiency into RAW264.7 cells through endocytosis and macropinocytosis.Moreover,L17E coating enables efficient endosomal release of TDFs.Finally,we employed L17E-coated TDF to deliver osteogenic growth peptide and demonstrated its potential applications in inhibiting periodontitis both in vitro and in vivo.This straightforward and cost-effective strategy holds promise for advancing the biomedical applications of DNA nanostructures.

Anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin-loaded tetrahedral framework nucleic acids on acute gouty arthritis

Gouty arthritis is a very familiar inflammatory arthritis.Controlling inflammation is the key to preventing gouty arthritis.However,colchicine,the most highly represented drug used in clinical practice,has strict contraindications owing to some severe side effects.Curcumin(Cur),a natural anti-inflammatory drug,has demonstrated good safety and efficacy.However,the rapid degradation,poor aqueous solubility,and low bioavailability of Cur limit its therapeutic effect.To strengthen the effectiveness and bioavailability of Cur.Cur loaded tetrahedral framework nucleic acids(Cur-TFNAs)were synthesized to deliver Cur.Compared with free Cur,Cur-TFNAs exhibit a preferable drug stability,good biocompatibility(CCK-8 assay),ease of uptake(immunofluorescence),and higher tissue utilization(in vivo biodistribution).Most importantly,Cur-TFNAs present better anti-inflammatory effect than free Cur both in vivo and in vitro experiments through the determination of inflammation-related cytokines expression.Therefore,we believe that Cur-TFNAs have great prospects for the prevention of gout and similar inflammatory diseases.

Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids-based delivery of microRNA-155 inhibits choroidal neovascularization by regulating the polarization of macrophages

Choroidal neovascularization(CNV)is a common pathological feature of various eye diseases and an important cause of visual impairment in middle-aged and elderly patients.In previous studies,tetrahedral framework nucleic acids(tFNAs)showed good carrier performance.In this experiment,we developed microRNA-155-equipped tFNAs(T-155)and explored its biological effects on CNV.Based on the results of in-vitro experiments,T-155 could regulate macrophages into the antiangiogenic M1 type.Then,we injected T-155 into the vitreous of laser-induced CNV model mice and found that T-155 significantly reduced the size and area of CNV,inhibited blood vessel leakage.In summary,we prove that T-155 could regulate the inflammatory process of CNV by polarizing macrophages,thereby improving the symptoms of CNV.Thus,T-155 might become a new DNA-based drug with great potential for treating CNV.

Erythromycin loaded by tetrahedral framework nucleic acids are more antimicrobial sensitive against Escherichia coli(E.coli)

Erythromycin is a commonly used broad-spectrum antibiotic,but resistance to this antibiotic makes its use less effective.Considerable efforts,beside finding alternatives,are needed to enhance its antimicrobial effect and stability against bacteria.Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids(tFNAs),a novel delivery vehicle with a three-dimensional nanostructure,have been studied as a carrying platform of antineoplastic drugs.In this study,the use of tFNAs in delivering erythromycin into Escherichia coli(E.coli)was investigated for the first time.The tFNAs vehicle increased the bacterial uptake of erythromycin and promoted membrane destabilization.Moreover,it increased the permeability of the bacterial cell wall,and reduced drug resistance by improving the movement of the drug across the membrane.The tFNAs-based delivery system enhanced the effects of erythromycin against E.coli.It may therefore provide an effective delivery vehicle for erythromycin in targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria with thick cell wall.

Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids promote the biological functions and related mechanism of synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells and show improved articular cartilage regeneration activity in situ

Many recent studies have shown that joint-resident mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)play a vital role in articular cartilage(AC)in situ regeneration.Specifically,synovium-derived MSCs(SMSCs),which have strong chondrogenic differentiation potential,may be the main driver of cartilage repair.However,both the insufficient number of MSCs and the lack of an ideal regenerative microenvironment in the defect area will seriously affect the regeneration of AC.Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids(tFNAs),notable novel nanomaterials,are considered prospective biological regulators in biomedical engineering.Here,we aimed to explore whether tFNAs have positive effects on AC in situ regeneration and to investigate the related mechanism.The results of in vitro experiments showed that the proliferation and migration of SMSCs were significantly enhanced by tFNAs.In addition,tFNAs,which were added to chondrogenic induction medium,were shown to promote the chondrogenic capacity of SMSCs by increasing the phosphorylation of Smad2/3.In animal models,the injection of tFNAs improved the therapeutic outcome of cartilage defects compared with that of the control treatments without tFNAs.In conclusion,this is the first report to demonstrate that tFNAs can promote the chondrogenic differentiation of SMSCs in vitro and enhance AC regeneration in vivo,indicating that tFNAs may become a promising therapeutic for AC regeneration.

A tetrahedral framework nucleic acid based multifunctional nanocapsule for tumor prophylactic mRNA vaccination

Synthetic antigen-encoding mRNA plays an increasingly significant role in tumor vaccine technology owing to its antigen-specific immune-activation. However, its immune efficacy is challenged by inferior delivery efficiency and demand for suitable adjuvants. Here, we develop a novel mRNA nanovaccine based on a multifunctional nanocapsule, which is a dual-adjuvant formulation composed of cytosine-phosphateguanine motifs loaded tetrahedral framework nucleic acid(CpG-tFNA) and an immunopeptide murine β-defensin 2(mDF2β). This m RNA nanovaccine successfully achieves intracellular delivery, antigen expression and presentation of dendritic cells, and proliferation of antigen-specific T cells. In a tumor prophylactic vaccination model, it exerts an excellent inhibitory effect on lymphoma occurrence through cellular immunity. This mRNA nanovaccine has promising prophylactic applications in tumors and many other diseases.

Biological regulation on synovial fibroblast and the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by nobiletin-loaded tetrahedral framework nucleic acids cargo tank

The hyperplasia and destruction of synovial tissue have an important impact on the development of rheumatoid arthritis(RA), the abnormal proliferation and migration of synovial fibroblast in synovial tissue is similar to tumor cells. Targeting anomalous synovial fibroblast and designing a high bioavailability nano drug delivery system can reduce the dosage for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and it is of great significance to reduce toxic and side effects and improve curative effect. In this experiment, the nobiletin-loaded tetrahedral framework nucleic acids cargo tank was established, carrying antiinflammatory small molecule monomer drug nobiletin with minimal bioavailability. Both in vitro cell experiments and in vivo animal studies proved the nano cargo tank enhance the role of nobiletin in reducing the invasiveness of pathological synovial fibroblast and promote their apoptosis, effectively alleviate the disease development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids regulate osteogenic differentiation potential of osteoporotic adipose-derived stem cells

Osteoporosis(OP)is a noncommunicable bone disease caused by a shift in the balance between os-teoblasts and osteoclasts,and can severely affect the health of elderly persons.Autologous stem-cell transplantation can improve reduced bone density and weakened fracture healing abilities in patients with OP.However,OP can adversely affect the osteogenesis and proliferation abilities of autologous adipose-derived stem cells(ASCs).Therefore,an effective drug is required to facilitate autologous ASCs to recover their osteogenic and proliferative potential.Tetrahedral framework nucleic acid(tFNA)is a new type of nanomaterial that has ability to regulate the biological behavior of cells effectively and en-hance the bioactivity of stem cells.In this study,we examine the effects of tFNAs on the osteogenic differentiation and proliferation abilities of ASCs in rats with OP.The results indicate that the 250 nmol/L tFNAs can considerably increase the expression of osteogenesis-related markers,effectively promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of osteoporotic ASCs(OP-ASCs),and help them to regain their osteogenic and proliferative potential.In short,tFNAs can enable OP-ACSs to recover their osteogenic po-tential and promote their proliferation and,therefore,can play a key regulatory role in autologous ASC transplantation.

Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids promote cognitive impairment recovery post traumatic brain injury

Cognitive impairment often occurs after post traumatic brain injury. In addition, recovery of cognitive impairment is largely dependent on spontaneous repair and the severity of secondary insult. The tetrahedral framework nucleic acid is a novel nanostructure has been shown to have a positive biological effect in promoting regeneration and anti-inflammation. To explore the treatment effect of tetrahedral framework nucleic acids for cognitive impairment recovery post traumatic brain injury, we established a mouse model of traumatic brain injury and verified the efficacy of tetrahedral framework nucleic acids in promoting cognitive impairment recovery post traumatic brain injury. The results show that the tetrahedral framework nucleic acids promoted the recovery of post-traumatic cognitive function by enhancing the proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells. Besides, tetrahedral framework nucleic acids modulated the neuroinflammatory response in the acute phase by inhibiting excessive astrocyte and microglial activation. Taken together, the results of the study indicate tetrahedral framework nucleic acids for treatment of cognitive impairment post traumatic brain injury.

Structural Characterization of Chiral Sulfido Cluster(η~5-C_5H_5) WFeCo(CO)_8 (μ_3-S)

The chiral sulfido cluster (η5-C5H5)WFeCo(CO)8(μ3--S) was synthesized by refluxing a solution of HFe2Co(CO)9 (μ3,--S) and (η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)3Cl in tetrahydrofuran. It was characterized by elemental analysis, IR and 1H/13C--NMR. Theproposal concerning mechanism was discussed herewith and the structure was reportedas well. Crystallographic data: Mr= 563. 85, monoclinicl P21/n(# 14); a= 8. 009(2), b= 17. 600(5), c=12. 003(4) A; β=95. 91(2)°; V= 1683. 0 (9) A3; Z=4;Dc=2. 22 g. cm-3; F(000) = 1048, μ=89. 27 cm-1 ; final R=0. 039 and Rw=0. 049for 2121 observable reflections with (I≥3. cσ(I) ). The crystal structure determinationshows that S atom coordinates to all three metal (W,Fe,Co) atoms in a μ3,-fashion,thetitle cluster core has the tetrahedral skeleton.

DNA Framework-based Topological Aptamer for Differentiating Subtypes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) remains a global health challenge with a growing incidence worldwide. The accurate identification of liver HCC cell subtypes plays crucial roles in precision medicine and prognosis. Nevertheless, simple and efficient methods for cell subtype discrimination still remain an issue to be studied. In this study, we construct topological probes by using a tetrahedral DNA framework(TDF) to topologically engineer the spatial orientations of the aptamers. The three vertexes of a TDF were algebraic topologically anchored with aptamers targeting epithelial cell adhesion molecule(EpCAM), which may express differently on different subtypes of HCC cells. Using the TDF-based topological aptamer(TDF-TA), we accomplish the differentiation of HCC cell subtypes, including high-metastatic, low-metastatic HCC and normal cells based on flow cytometry(FCM) and fluorescence microscope imaging. By replacing the fluorescent indicator modified on aptamers with photoacoustic dyes, we achieve the discrimination of different HCC cells using photoacoustic imaging technology, further demonstrating the feasibility of the TDF-based topological probe for HCC cell subtype discrimination. This TDF-based topological engineering strategy thus provides a flexible means for subtype cell discrimination, which may provide new ideas for achieving accurate diagnosis of HCC.

A DNA tetrahedron-based nanosuit for efficient delivery of amifostine and multi-organ radioprotection

Unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation(IR)often causes acute and chronic oxidative damages to normal cells and organs,leading to serious physiological and even life-threatening consequences.Amifostine(AMF)is a validated radioprotectant extensively applied in radiation and chemotherapy medicine,but the short half-life limits its bioavailability and clinical applications,remaining as a great challenge to be addressed.DNAassembled nanostructures especially the tetrahedral framework nucleic acids(tFNAs)are promising nanocarriers with preeminent biosafety,low biotoxicity,and high transport efficiency.The tFNAs also have a relative long-term maintenance for structural stability and excellent endocytosis capacity.We therefore synthesized a tFNA-based delivery system of AMF for multi-organ radioprotection(tFNAs@AMF,also termed nanosuit).By establishing the mice models of accidental total body irradiation(TBI)and radiotherapy model of Lewis lung cancer,we demonstrated that the nanosuit could shield normal cells from IR-induced DNA damage by regulating the molecular biomarkers of anti-apoptosis and anti-oxidative stress.In the accidental total body irradiation(TBI)mice model,the nanosuit pretreated mice exhibited satisfactory alteration of superoxide dismutase(SOD)activities and malondialdehyde(MDA)contents,and functional recovery of hematopoietic system,reducing IRinduced pathological damages of multi-organ and safeguarding mice from lethal radiation.More importantly,the nanosuit showed a selective radioprotection of the normal organs without interferences of tumor control in the radiotherapy model of Lewis lung cancer.Based on a conveniently available DNA tetrahedron-based nanocarrier,this work presents a high-efficiency delivery system of AMF with the prolonged half-life and enhanced radioprotection for multi-organs.Such nanosuit pioneers a promising strategy with great clinical translation potential for radioactivity protection.

MicroRNA-122-functionalized DNA tetrahedron stimulate hepatic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells for acute liver failure therapy

As the most abundant liver-specific microRNA, microRNA-122 (miR122) played a crucial role in the differentiation of stem cells into hepatocytes. However, highly efficient miR122 delivery still confronts challenges including poor cellular uptake and easy biodegradation. Herein, we for the first time demonstrated that the tetrahedral DNA (TDN) nanoplatform had great potential in inducing the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into functional hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) by transferring the liver-specific miR122 to hMSCs efficiently without any extrinsic factors. As compared with miR122, miR122-functionalized TDN (TDN-miR122) could significantly up-regulate the protein expression levels of mature hepatocyte markers and hepatocyte-specific marker genes in hMSCs, indicating that TDN-miR122 could particularly activate the hepatocyte-specific properties of hMSCs for developing cell-based therapies in vitro. The transcriptomic analysis further indicated the potential mechanism that TDN-miR122 assisted hMSCs differentiated into functional HLCs. The TDN-miR122-hMSCs exhibited hepatic cell morphology phenotype, significantly up-regulated specific hepatocyte genes and hepatic biofunctions in comparison with the undifferentiated MSCs. Preclinical in vivo transplantation appeared that TDN-miR122-hMSCs in combination with or without TDN could efficiently rescue acute liver failure injury through hepatocyte function supplement, anti-apoptosis, cellular proliferation promotion, and anti-inflammatory. Collectively, our findings may provide a new and facile approach for hepatic differentiation of hMSCs for acute liver failure therapy. Further large animal model explorations are needed to study their potential in clinical translation in the future.