Urchin-like ceria nanoparticles for enhanced gene therapy of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease in the world. Gene therapy based on delivering microRNAs (miRNAs) into cells has potential for the treatment of OA. However, the effects of miRNAs are limited by the poor cellular uptake and stability. Here, we first identify a type of microRNA-224-5p (miR-224-5p) from clinical samples of patients with OA that can protect articular cartilage from degeneration and further synthesize urchin-like ceria nanoparticles (NPs) that can load miR-224-5p for enhanced gene therapy of OA. Compared with traditional sphere ceria NPs, the thorns of urchin-like ceria NPs can efficiently promote the transfection of miR-224-5p. In addition, urchin-like ceria NPs have excellent performance of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can regulate the microenvironment of OA to further improve the gene treatment of OA. The combination of urchin-like ceria NPs and miR-224-5p not only exhibits favorable curative effect for OA but also provides a promising paradigm for translational medicine.

Automated summary

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease, and gene therapy using microRNAs (miRNAs) shows potential for its treatment. However, poor cellular uptake and stability limit the effects of miRNAs. In this study, a miRNA called microRNA-224-5p (miR-224-5p) was identified from clinical samples of OA patients, which can protect articular cartilage from degeneration. Urchin-like ceria nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized to load miR-224-5p for enhanced gene therapy of OA. These NPs promote transfection of miR-224-5p and exhibit excellent scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby improving the microenvironment of OA. The combination of these NPs and miR-224-5p not only shows a favorable curative effect for OA but also provides a promising approach for translational medicine.