Cited by 1,018Nanoparticle-Based Drug DeliveryRNA Interference and Gene DeliveryAdvanced Drug Delivery Systems

On the mechanism of tissue-specific mRNA delivery by selective organ targeting nanoparticles

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Dilliard, Sean A., Cheng, Qiang, Siegwart, Daniel J.·2021·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Abstract

Significance: Liver accumulation represents a significant barrier in the development of therapeutically efficacious nanoparticle drug delivery systems. Using a series of lipid nanoparticles with distinct organ-targeting properties, we provide evidence for a plausible mechanism of action for nanoparticle delivery to non-liver tissues. Following intravenous injection, specific proteins in the blood are recruited to the nanoparticle’s surface based on its molecular composition and they endow it with a unique biological identity that governs its ultimate fate in the body. An innovative paradigm emerges from this mechanistic understanding of nanoparticle delivery—endogenous targeting—wherein the molecular composition of a nanoparticle is rationally engineered to interact with specific proteins in the blood to overcome liver accumulation and to target specific organs.

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  • The molecular composition of an LNP modulates the endogenous proteins that bind the nanoparticle and govern its biological fate.

    “Prior studies have demonstrated that the molecular composition of an LNP modulates the endogenous proteins that bind the nanoparticle and govern its biological fate (43).”

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Dilliard, S. A., Cheng, Q., & Siegwart, D. J.
Affiliations
Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center (US)
Corresponding author
  • Cheng, Qiang
  • Siegwart, Daniel J.
Venue
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Published
2021-12-21
Volume
118
Issue
52
ISSN
  • 0027-8424 (ISSN-L)
  • 1091-6490
OpenAlex
W4200561001
Cited by
1,018
References
14
Citations by year
2026: 254 · 2025: 287 · 2024: 243 · 2023: 168 · 2022: 65
FWCI
31.07
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (SIEGWA18XX0)
  • HHS | NIH | National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (R01 EB025192-01A1)
  • Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (RP190251)
  • American Cancer Society (RSG-17-012-01)
  • HHS | NIH | National Cancer Institute (P30 CA142543)
  • HHS | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (GM007062, GM109776)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Biomaterials › Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › RNA Interference and Gene Delivery
  • Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Pharmaceutical Science › Advanced Drug Delivery Systems
Keywords
lipid nanoparticles, plasma protein binding, receptor binding, liver-targeted drug delivery
MeSH terms
Gene Editing, Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System, Animals, Humans, Liposomes, Liver, Mice, Inbred C57BL, RNA, Messenger, Tissue Distribution, Mice, Nanoparticles

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