Realizing the promise of RNA nanotechnology for new drug development

ScienceDaily (Sep. 4, 2012) ? The use of RNA in nanotechnology applications is highly promising for many applications, including the development of new therapeutic compounds. Key technical challenges remain, though, and the challenges and opportunities associated with the use of RNA molecules in nanotechnology approaches are presented in a review article in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Peixuan Guo and colleagues, University of Kentucky, Lexington, highlight the ability of RNA to self-assemble into nanoparticles with diverse structures. In "Uniqueness, Advantages, Challenges, Solutions, and Perspectives in Therapeutics Applying RNA Nanotechnology," the authors provide a detailed description of the main challenges faced by the RNA therapeutics industry, including the chemical and thermodynamic instability of the molecules, potential safety and side effect issues, difficulties in delivery and specific targeting, and low yield and high production costs in manufacturing.

"The remarkable structural and enzymatic properties of RNA continue to astound us," says Executive Editor Fintan Steele, PhD, SomaLogic, Inc., Boulder, CO. "It is exciting to see those properties increasingly realized for the benefit of human health and welfare, as described by Dr. Guo and his colleagues."

Nucleic Acid Therapeutics is under the editorial leadership of Co-Editors-in-Chief Bruce A. Sullenger, PhD, Duke Translational Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, and C.A. Stein, MD, PhD, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA; and Executive Editor Fintan Steele, PhD, SomaLogic, Boulder, CO.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., Publishers, via AlphaGalileo.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. Peixuan Guo, Farzin Haque, Brent Hallahan, Randall Reif, and Hui Li. Uniqueness, Advantages, Challenges, Solutions, and Perspectives in Therapeutics Applying RNA Nanotechnology. Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, 2012, 22(4): 226-245 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2012.0350

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/health_medicine/genes/~3/2HCSzSyM3Q4/120904144850.htm

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