Nanoparticle-Based Artificial Mitochondrial DNA Transcription Factor: MitoScript
Aberrant transcription of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been linked to many diseases and neurological disorders in the human body. Consequently, novel and effective means of site-specific mtDNA transcriptional regulation have become indispensable in the quest to study and treat such disorders. However, current approaches to modulating mtDNA transcription are confronted with significant hurdles in intracellular transport and blood circulation, thereby presenting a formidable challenge to attaining maximum efficiency. To this end, nanoparticles can be designed to be specifically targeted to the affected area, ensuring the drug reaches the exact location it needs to in order to be effective. This allows for more accurate and efficient delivery of the drug or genetic materials, causing no unnecessary harm to the patient. Furthermore, nanoparticles can improve the solubility of the drug, allowing it to be more easily absorbed into the body. This, in turn, leads to improved efficacy of the therapeutics. Nonetheless, the demand for direct, efficacious, and target-specific modulation of mitochondrial gene expression remains unfulfilled.