Proposed Implementation
Colorectal Cancer Therapy
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide(Dekker et al., 2019).
Colorectal cancer remains a significant challenge, especially when using non-targeted treatments like
traditional chemotherapy. While chemotherapy with drugs such as 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin has
been effective in reducing tumor size and improving survival, it faces several limitations. One major issue
is the lack of specificity, which means these drugs not only attack cancer cells but also harm healthy
cells, leading to severe side effects like nausea, fatigue, and immune suppression.
Moreover, many patients eventually develop chemoresistance, rendering these treatments less effective over
time. This lack of precision, combined with the toxic side effects, creates a significant challenge in
colorectal cancer treatment, highlighting the need for more effective and personalized approaches.
Our Product
Targeted therapies, such as anti-VEGF and anti-EGFR drugs, have improved colorectal cancer treatment by
inhibiting specific molecular pathways. However, their efficacy is limited by factors like gene mutations
and acquired resistance, restricting their benefit to certain patient groups.
In contrast, siRNA-based therapies represent a promising new approach. siRNA (small interfering RNA) works
by silencing specific genes involved in cancer progression, offering precise control over oncogenic pathways
at the genetic level. We propose siRNA therapy targeting TEAD4 to treat colorectal cancer. RNAi-based
therapy offers several advantages over traditional treatments, such as small molecules and protein-based
drugs(Debele et al., 2023). Firstly, siRNA therapies typically exhibit only antagonistic effects, in
contrast to conventional therapies that may produce both agonistic and antagonistic effects. Secondly, siRNA
can target intracellular, extracellular, and even “undruggable” targets, unlike small molecules and
protein-based therapies, which are often more restricted. Thirdly, siRNA shows high specificity, comparable
to protein-based therapies but superior to small molecules. Lastly, siRNAs are relatively easy to
synthesize, similar to small molecules, but unlike protein-based therapies. The siRNA-based approach
provides a highly specific, effective, and patient-friendly option for cancer treatment(Nakamura et al.,
2011).
Implementation in the Real World
One major limitation of siRNA therapy in cancer treatment is the difficulty in delivering the siRNA
molecules effectively to tumor cells due to issues like poor stability in the bloodstream and potential
off-target effects. Additionally, ensuring efficient and targeted delivery without triggering immune
responses remains a significant challenge.
To enhance siRNA functionality and improve properties such as stability and delivery efficiency, various
chemical modifications have been implemented. These modifications have been shown to increase the half-life
of siRNA, improve its stability in the bloodstream, modulate immune responses, and reduce off-target
effects. By employing such modifications, we expect to develop a highly effective siRNA-based therapy for
colorectal cancer. Figure 1 outlines the relevant oligonucleotide chemical modifications for siRNA
optimization(Pendergraff et al., 2016).
Figure 1 Workflow of oligonucleotide chemical modifications for siRNA optimization
Workflow of siRNA therapy
Intravenous administration is the preferred route for delivering siRNA therapies. Once administered, the
modified siRNA is protected from degradation and aggregation in the bloodstream, allowing it to reach the
tumor cells via the circulatory system. Upon entering the target cells, siRNAs bind with the RNA-induced
silencing complex (RISC), which degrades the sense strand and incorporates the antisense strand.
In our main experiment, we designed two plasmids that effectively suppress TEAD4 expression. Our data
demonstrate that elevated levels of TEAD4-targeting siRNAs in the colorectal cancer cell line SW480 result
in reduced tumor cell proliferation and migration, along with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS)
production. These findings suggest that this RNA interference (RNAi) vector is a promising therapeutic
candidate for colorectal cancer treatment. The plasmids successfully facilitate the incorporation of the
RISC complex, which subsequently cleaves TEAD4 mRNA, effectively downregulating its expression. This
mechanism underscores the potential of siRNA therapy in the clinical management of cancer. (Friedrich and
Aigner, 2022).
Figure 2 The process of siRNA-mediated gene silencing
Future Prospects
As siRNA technology continues to evolve, significant efforts are focused on optimizing gene silencing while
minimizing adverse effects in vivo. Despite challenges such as delivery efficiency and off-target effects,
several siRNA-based therapies have already gained clinical approval, with numerous others progressing
through late-stage clinical trials. Targeting non-coding RNAs with siRNAs or constructing recombinant
oncolytic viruses may open new avenues for cancer therapy(Shchaslyvyi et al., 2023).
Reference
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