Researchers have looked into how cationic polymers arrange on a molecular scale when they carry RNA drugs.
Researchers at LMU have examined the molecular organization of cationic polymers used for RNA drug delivery.
Cationic polymers show promise as delivery agents for RNA therapeutics and RNA vaccines. Similar to lipid nanocarriers, these polymers transport mRNA medications. The tiny packaging materials effectively safeguard their cargo and guide it to the target cells. “We create what we call ‘gene ferries,’ which can encapsulate a variety of therapeutic nucleic acids for secure transport to their intended site,” states Professor Olivia Merkel, the Chair of Drug Delivery at LMU’s Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy.
To enhance the efficiency of these gene ferries, it’s crucial to gain insight into how these particles organize at a molecular level, encapsulate RNA, and subsequently release it — a detail that hasn’t been thoroughly explored until now. Merkel leads a new study that offers new findings regarding the organization of these nanocarriers. This research is part of her ERC project, RatInhalRNA (Rational and Simulation-Supported Design of Inhalable RNA Nanocarriers), and the results were recently published in the journal Nano Letters.
Merkel explains, “Our study utilized a method known as coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CG-MD) to simulate and visualize these particles.” The research specifically examined how variations in polymer structures and environmental factors affect particle formation. These simulations were validated by laboratory experiments using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), which confirmed that CG-MD can provide in-depth insights into the structure and behavior of RNA nanoparticles. “This research underscores the significance of CG-MD in forecasting and elucidating the characteristics of RNA nano-formulations, aiding in the development of improved systems for future medical applications,” adds Merkel.
