Nanotechnology for delivery of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs)

Abstract

Over the past three decades, peptide nucleic acids have been employed in numerous chemical and biological applications. Peptide nucleic acids possess enormous potential because of their superior biophysical properties, compared to other oligonucleotide chemistries. However, for therapeutic applications, intracellular delivery of peptide nucleic acids remains a challenge. In this review, we summarize the progress that has been made in delivering peptide nucleic acids to intracellular targets. In addition, we emphasize recent nanoparticle-based strategies for efficient delivery of conventional and chemically-modified peptides nucleic acids.

Keywords: Antisense therapy; Gene editing; Nanoparticles; Peptide nucleic acids.

Fig. 1

Chemical structures of DNA (RNA) and PNA

Fig. 2

Different delivery methods of PNA

Fig. 3

Chemical structures of αGPNA and γGPNA

Fig. 4

(A) Change in tumor volume after single local injection of ANTP coated nanoparticles delivering antimiR-155 PNA molecules. (B) H & E analysis of locally treated subcutaneous lymphoid tumors. Scale bar represents 100uM for both low and high magnification images [30]

Fig. 5

New generation gamma PNAs

Fig. 6

Gene editing strategy using triplex forming oligonucleotides.

Fig. 7

Chemical structures of PLGA and PBAE units.

Fig. 8

Description of conjugation of PNA with FITC labeled MSNP and the release of Cy5 labeled PNA by redox-triggered mechanism inside the cells [34].