DaNCE Delivery Neurodegeneration CancER (DSB.AD001.086)

Area tematica

Scienze biomediche

Area progettuale

Struttura responsabile del progetto di ricerca

Istituto di fisiologia clinica (IFC)

Responsabile di progetto

LISA GHERARDINI
Telefono: 0577 381296
E-mail: lisa.gherardini@ifc.cnr.it

Abstract

Delivery to the CNS to treat neurodegenertion and cancer.
The aim of the project is to optimize the design of the carrier and the protocol for delivering targeted therapy to selected areas of the CNS. The drug delivery to the CNS is hindered by the presence of the BBB that constitutes a physiological protection for the brain and impedes most of the external exchanges to central nervous system. It is therefore challenging for curative drugs to overcome this barrier and reach the site of action within the brain. Moreover, once reached the brain, drugs unselectively distribute to all tissues. Many efforts, have been made using lipid nanoparticles and polymers to achieve this goal however, localization of therapy to a selected area still remains a challenge. A localized magnetically driven delivery would increase the potential of a specific and tissue selective treatments within different areas of the brain.

Obiettivi

We aim at using engineered erythrocytes enriched with magnetic nanoparticles and decorated with a fusogenic protein (EMHV ®) that can be site-selectively enriched by an external magnetic field. Erythrocyte membrane fuses with host cell membrane to entirely release the carrier content inside the target cells. We gathered robust proofs that EMHV selectively concentrate and effectively release their contents in peripheral tissues after systemic administration. We also have preliminary indication that after I.V., EMHV carrying auto-fluorescent NP selectively reaches cortical areas treated with application of a biocompatible earth (52N).
DaNCE aims at optimize the carrier design for CNS delivery through the study of the appropriate magnetic field applied, the identification of the rheological feature of the carrier and the potential toxic effect of the CNS delivery. The study will include pilot experiment in animal models of CNS diseases such as Stroke (inflammation and damage), Alzheimer (neuro-degeneration) and glioma (cancer). Moreover, specific delivery for gene therapy might be tested in KO models.

Data inizio attività

01/01/2017

Parole chiave

cancro, neurogenerazione, Alzheimer

Ultimo aggiornamento: 19/04/2024