Targeted delivery of Dicer-substrate siRNAs using a dual targeting peptide decorated dendrimer delivery system

We developed a Dicer substrate siRNA (dsiRNA) targeting heat shock prion 27 (Hsp27). This dsiRNA was effectively delivered by the dendrimer nanovector G5, giving rise to a much greater RNAi response than the conventional siRNA. Further decoration of the dsiRNA/dendrimer complexes with a dual targeting peptide simultaneously promoted cancer cell targeting and cell penetration through interacting with integrins and neuropilin-1 receptors, respectively, hence leading to enhanced gene silencing and anticancer activity. Collectively, these results open a new avenue for therapeutic implementation of RNAi using dendrimer nanovector based targeted delivery.98