Aptamer guided DNA tetrahedron as a novel targeted drug delivery system for MUC1 expressing breast cancer cells in vitro
Mucin 1 (MUC1) is an important molecular target for cancer treatment because it is overexpressed in most adenocarcinomas. In this study, a new MUC1 targeted drug delivery system was assembled using an aptamer (Apt) that could recognize MUC1 and a DNA tetrahedron (Td) that could carry doxorubicin (Dox) within its DNA structure. The complex thus formed (Apt Td) had an average size of 12.38 nm and was negatively charged. Similar to the MUC1 aptamer, the Apt Td could preferentially bind with MUC1 positive MCF 7 breast cancer cells. A drug loading experiment revealed that each Apt Td complex could carry approximately 25 Dox molecules. Moreover, Apt Td selectively delivered Dox into the MUC1 positive breast cancer cells but reduced Dox uptake by the MUC1 negative control cells. Dox loaded Apt Td also induced a significantly higher cytotoxicity to the MUC1 positive cancer cells versus the MUC1 negative control cells in vitro (p<0.01) These results suggest that Apt Td may potentially serve as a drug carrier in the targeted treatment of MUC1 expressing breast cancers.
Oncotarget