Three-way Junction RNA Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery to Cancer

Review Article

Abstract

RNA nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative field, enabling the precise design of programmable nanostructures for biomedical and biotechnological applications. Among these, three-way junction (3WJ) RNA nanoparticles have garnered significant attention due to their structural stability, modularity, and biocompatibility. Derived from natural RNA motifs, 3WJ nanoparticles are formed by the self-assembly of three RNA strands into a branched architecture, creating a versatile scaffold for functionalization. This review highlights the design principles, therapeutic and diagnostic applications, challenges, and future directions of 3WJ RNA nanoparticles.