Latest

mRNA

·February 18, 2025·5 min read

Nanoparticles Deliver mRNA to the Brain, Bypassing Blood-Brain Barrier

Scientists have developed a lipid nanoparticle system that enables mRNA to cross the blood-brain barrier, a long-standing challenge in neuroscience. In studies using mice and human brain tissue, these nanoparticles successfully delivered therapeutic mRNA, opening doors for potential treatments for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, ALS, and brain cancer.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 17, 2024·6 min read

Brain-Targeted mRNA Delivery Breaks the Blood-Brain Barrier

Researchers have developed lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and precisely target brain cells, a major step toward treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s. By attaching short peptides to LNPs, scientists achieved targeted mRNA delivery to neurons and endothelial cells, avoiding invasive procedures. Peptides are smaller, more stable, and easier to use than antibodies, making them ideal for LNP-based therapies.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 7, 2024·3 min read

mRNA Dynamics in Embryonic Cell Identity

A new study explores mRNA regulation in embryonic development, shedding light on how pluripotent cells specialize. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and metabolic labeling on zebrafish embryos, the research team could distinguish newly synthesized mRNA from maternal contributions.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 31, 2023·6 min read

How mRNA Transport Influences Neuronal Health

Researchers linked the survival and pathology of sensory neurons to mRNA transport within these cells. They focused on the dynein protein complex, specifically the Dynein Roadblock 1 (Dynlrb1) subunit, critical for neuron survival.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·June 3, 2023·4 min read

Hitching a Ride: mRNA’s Transport System in Brain Cells Revealed

Researchers made significant advancements in understanding how mRNA is distributed in brain cells. They discovered that a protein complex called FERRY aids Early Endosomes (EEs) to carry mRNAs to distant parts of the neuron.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 8, 2023·4 min read

Modifying Messenger RNA May Provide a New Target for Alzheimer’s Disease

Targeting and reducing the methylation of a key mRNA promoted the migration of macrophages in the brain and can improve cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 21, 2023·3 min read

Novel mRNA Delivery Method Induces Collagen Repair and Could Replace Fillers for Skin Wrinkles

A novel mRNA delivery method that uses extracellular vesicles initiates collagen replacement in photoaged skin. A single injection increased collagen production and reduced wrinkle formation in targeted areas for two months. Researchers say the new delivery method could be used to treat a number of disorders including ones associated with protein loss associated with aging and hereditary disorders where genes and proteins are missing.

This shows the nanoparticles entering the retina

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·January 12, 2023·3 min read

A Key Step Toward New Treatment for Hereditary Blindness

Using animal models, researchers demonstrate a potentially effective approach to treating blindness associated with genetic conditions by using mRNA and lipid nanoparticles.

This shows a woman holding her back in pain

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·October 25, 2022·4 min read

Pain’s Molecular Origins

A new study will explore the genesis of pain on a molecular and cellular level, with the goal of finding new treatments for chronic pain conditions.

This shows a depiction of a brain made up of rainbow colored lines

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·April 13, 2022·5 min read

Novel Root Cause of Tau-Induced Neurodegeneration Discovered

mRNA decay may facilitate tau-induced damage to the brain and associated apoptosis that contributes to a range of neurodegenerative disorders. Researchers found the mechanism can be altered pharmacologically, providing a new target for the development of therapeutics to prevent or slow the progression of some neurodegenerative disorders.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 29, 2021·5 min read

Differences in Herpes Virus Symptoms May Relate to Variations in Strain Gene Expression

A new study reveals why some people with the herpes simplex 1 virus experience painful lesions, while others have no symptoms and yet still spread the infection. Researchers say the difference could be a result of how variations in the way certain strains of HSV-1 activate gene expression in neurons.