MicroRNA-nanoparticles against cancer: Opportunities and challenges for personalized medicine

Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and are widely involved in carcinogenesis, playing a role as both oncogenes and tumor suppressors. MiRNAs act as potent therapeutic weapon in cancer, but their potential therapeutic use is limited by the off-target effect due to their nonspecific distribution in normal tissues. The encapsulation of miRNAs in nanostructured carriers allows targeted effects aimed to destroy cancer cells, without affecting healthy tissues. Due to their small size and the optimal surface/size ratio, nanoparticles (NPs) envelop, protect, and release miRNAs, representing a promising strategy in cancer treatment. In the present review, we discuss the latest advances in the field of miRNA-encapsulating NPs in cancer, focusing on colorectal cancer and its metastatic forms, one of the most common malignancies worldwide.