Novel Genetically Encoded Nanoparticles
A University of Pittsburgh researcher has developed a new technology to generate genetically encoded nanoparticles (GENPs). This can be used to selectively target cells in the body providing a host of novel treatment approaches for a multitude of medical conditions.
Description
Genetically encoded nanoparticles (GENPs) are emerging as a class of highly versatile compounds with a wide array of applications in biomedicine including detecting, treating, or even reversing disease due to their ability to withstand heat or radiation conditions that non-nanoparticle compounds (proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids) cannot. Through the development of GENPs, specific cells can be protected from the impacts of radiation, bacteria, or cancer.Applications
• Precision protection of specific cell groups from UV or ionizing radiation damage• Antibacterial nanoparticles
• Anticancer nanoparticles
• Precision medicine
Advantages
While the applications of genetically coded nanoparticles are growing, they still present a challenge in terms of their use in living cells, inhibiting their widespread use in biology and medicine. Challenges include aggregation of nanoparticles or failure to reach the target cell of subcellular structure.To overcome these challenges, this new approach involves the use of subtoxic concentrations of metals in cells, used to drive protein expression that leads to the formation of the desired GENPs. Through controlling the rate and distribution of nanoparticle production, the risk of aggregation can be reduced, and precision targeting of GENPs will be directed using molecular ‘zipcode’ sequences to ensure GENPs are transported to intracellular targets of interest. This new approach has the potential to widely improve the real-world application of GENPs.