A DNA Nanocomplex Containing Cascade DNAzymes and Promoter-Like Zn-Mn-Ferrite for Combined Gene/Chemo-dynamic Therapy

Sequential control of exogenous chemical events inside cells is a promising way to regulate cell functions and fate. Herein we report a DNA nanocomplex containing cascade DNAzymes and promoter-like Zn-Mn-Ferrite (ZMF), achieving combined gene/chemo-dynamic therapy. The promoter-like ZMF decomposed in response to intratumoral glutathione to release a sufficient quantity of metal ions, thus promoting cascade DNA/RNA cleavage and free radical generation. Two kinds of DNAzymes were designed for sequential cascade enzymatic reaction, in which metal ions functioned as cofactors. The primary DNAzyme self-cleaved the DNA chain with Zn2+ as cofactor, and produced the secondary DNAzyme; the secondary DNAzyme afterwards cleaved the EGR-1 mRNA, and thus downregulated the expression of target EGR-1 protein, achieving DNAzyme-based gene therapy. Meanwhile, the released Zn2+, Mn2+ and Fe2+ induced Fenton/Fenton-like reactions, during which free radicals were catalytically generated and efficient chemo-dynamic therapy was achieved. In a breast cancer mouse model, the administration of DNA nanocomplex led to a significant therapeutic efficacy of tumor growth suppression.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates a DNA nanocomplex containing cascade DNAzymes and promoter-like Zn-Mn-Ferrite (ZMF) for combined gene/chemo-dynamic therapy inside cells. By releasing metal ions, the ZMF decomposed in response to glutathione, promoting sequential DNA/RNA cleavage and free radical generation, leading to efficient chemo-dynamic therapy. The administration of this DNA nanocomplex in a breast cancer mouse model resulted in significant therapeutic efficacy in suppressing tumor growth.