siRNA-based therapy ameliorates glomerulonephritis

J Am Soc Nephrol. 2010 Apr;21(4):622-33. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2009030295. Epub 2010 Mar 4.

Abstract

RNA interference by short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) holds promise as a therapeutic strategy, but use of siRNAs in vivo remains limited. Here, we developed a system to target delivery of siRNAs to glomeruli via poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(l-lysine)-based vehicles. The siRNA/nanocarrier complex was approximately 10 to 20 nm in diameter, a size that would allow it to move across the fenestrated endothelium to access to the mesangium. After intraperitoneal injection of fluorescence-labeled siRNA/nanocarrier complexes, we detected siRNAs in the blood circulation for a prolonged time. Repeated intraperitoneal administration of a mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) siRNA/nanocarrier complex suppressed glomerular MAPK1 mRNA and protein expression in a mouse model of glomerulonephritis; this improved kidney function, reduced proteinuria, and ameliorated glomerular sclerosis. Furthermore, this therapy reduced the expression of the profibrotic markers TGF-beta1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and fibronectin. In conclusion, we successfully silenced intraglomerular genes with siRNA using nanocarriers. This technique could aid the investigation of molecular mechanisms of renal disease and has potential as a molecular therapy of glomerular diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Genetic Therapy* / methods
  • Glomerulonephritis / genetics
  • Glomerulonephritis / therapy*
  • Kidney Glomerulus
  • Mice
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / genetics*
  • RNA, Small Interfering*

Substances

  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Mapk1 protein, mouse
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1