Cholesterol‐Modified DNA Nanostructures Serve as Effective Non‐Viral Carriers for Delivering siRNA to the Kidneys to Prevent Acute Kidney Injury

Abstract With the emergence of gene therapy utilizing viral vectors, the potential risks associated with these vectors have prompted increased attention toward non‐viral alternatives. DNA nanotechnology enables the assembly of specific oligonucleotide chains into nanostructures possessing defined spatial configurations. Due to their inherent characteristics, DNA nanostructures possess natural advantages as carriers for regulating gene expression in a non‐viral manner. Cholesterol modification can convert DNA nanostructures from hydrophilic materials to amphiphilic materials, thereby extending their systemic circulation time. In this study, the high‐dimensional design and cholesterol modification are shown to prolong the systemic circulation half‐life of DNA nanostructures in mice. Specifically, the tetrahedron structure modified with three cholesterol molecules (TDN‐3Chol) exhibit excellent circulation time and demonstrate a preference for renal uptake. The unique characteristics of TDN‐3Chol can effectively deliver p53 siRNA to the mouse renal tubular tissue, resulting in successful knockdown of p53 and demonstrating its potential for preventing acute kidney injury. Furthermore, TDN‐3Chol is not exhibited significant toxicity in mice, highlighting its promising role as a non‐viral vector for targeted gene expression regulation in the kidneys. The designed non‐viral vector as a prophylactic medication shows potential in addressing the current clinical challenges associated with nephrotoxic drugs.