DNAzyme Loaded Nano-Niosomes Confer Anti-Cancer Effects in the Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells by Inhibiting Apoptosis, Inflammation, and c-Myc/cyclin D1

Abstract

One of the promising strategies for destroying cancer cells is using small-molecule gene-silencing strategies such as DNAzyme. In the current study, we used niosomes as carriers to promote drug residence and stability in the human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and explore possible molecular mechanisms. Preparing the niosomes was performed using thin-layer hydration method. Shape and size of the niosomes were assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cell cytotoxicity, invasion and migration, apoptosis, inflammation and apoptosis related genes were evaluated by MTT assay, wound healing assay, flow cytometry, and Real-time PCR. Our results showed that DNAzyme loaded niosomes had more powerful effects against proliferation and migration of the human breast cancer MCF-7 cells compared to free DNAzyme. Effects of DNAzyme loaded niosomes is attributed to elevation of apoptosis, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and down-regulation of c-Myc/cyclin D1. In conclusion, our study declares that DNAzyme loaded niosomes possess stronger effects on destroying the human breast cancer MCF-7 cells than free DNAzyme by targeting apoptosis, inflammation, and c-Myc/cyclin D1.