Blood–brain-barrier-crossing lipid nanoparticles (BLNPs) effectively and safely deliver mRNA to the brain via systemic administration.
Credit: Created with BioRender.com in the lab of Yizhou Dong, PhD, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Credit: Created with BioRender.com in the lab of Yizhou Dong, PhD, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed a lipid nanoparticle system capable of delivering messenger RNA (mRNA) to the brain via intravenous injection, a challenge that has long been limited by the protective nature of the blood-brain barrier.
The findings, in mouse models and isolated human brain tissue, were published in the February 17 online issue of Nature Materials [10.1038/s41563-024-02114-5]. They demonstrate the potential of this technology to pave the way for future treatments for a wide range of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, brain cancer, and drug addiction.