Ionic liquid-coated lipid nanoparticles increase siRNA uptake into CNS targets.

Lipidoid nanoparticles (LNPs) have transformed the field of drug delivery and are clinically used for the delivery of nucleic acids to liver and muscle targets. Post-intravenous administration, LNPs are naturally directed to the liver due to the adsorption of plasma proteins like apolipoprotein E. In the present work, we have re-engineered LNPs with ionic liquids (ILs) to reduce plasma protein adsorption and potentially increase the accumulation of LNPs in hard-to-deliver central nervous system (CNS) targets such as brain endothelial cells (BECs) and neurons.

ERK1, 2, and 5 expression and activation in dopaminergic brain regions during postnatal development.

Degeneration and dysfunctioning of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain have been associated with serious neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Elucidating the underlying neurobiology of these neurons during early postnatal development may provide important information regarding the etiology of these disorders. Cellular signaling pathways have been shown to regulate postnatal neuronal development.