# Design of Anti-Tumor RNA Nanoparticles and Their Inhibitory Effect on Hep3B Liver Cancer

## TL;DR

Researchers developed RNA nanoparticles that target multiple cancer genes and effectively inhibit liver cancer growth in mice without toxicity.

## Contribution

A novel self-assembling RNA nanoparticle platform that targets multiple oncogenes and avoids toxic delivery carriers.

## Key findings

- RNA nanoparticles effectively suppressed Hep3B liver cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth.
- The nanoparticles showed excellent safety and efficacy in xenograft mice without off-target effects.
- The platform offers a scalable and biocompatible approach for RNAi-based cancer therapies.

## Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) holds promise as a gene-silencing therapy for liver cancer but faces challenges related to siRNA instability, short half-life, and inefficient cellular uptake. In this study, we designed a self-assembling RNA nanoparticle targeting three oncogenes—hTERT, BIRC5, and FGFR1—key drivers of cancer progression. These RNA nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced stability and specificity, eliminating the need for conventional toxic delivery carriers. Functional assays revealed that the nanoparticles effectively suppressed the proliferation, migration, tumor growth and apoptosis of a Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, Hep3B. The nanoparticles exhibited excellent safety and efficacy in xenograft model mice, without off-target toxicity. This work introduces a scalable, biocompatible RNA nanoparticle platform with multi-targeting capability, paving the way for improved RNAi-based therapeutics. Our findings offer a promising strategy for advancing personalized cancer therapies and underscore the broader potential of RNA nanotechnology in addressing complex malignancies.