Intracellular ATP delivery using highly fusogenic liposomes.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cellular energy homeostasis relies on adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
• Ischemia and hypoxia disrupt ATP production, leading to cell damage.
• Direct ATP infusion is limited by cell membrane impermeability and short half-life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an effective method for intracellular delivery of high-energy phosphates.
• To protect cells from ischemia- and hypoxia-induced damage.
• To investigate the potential of this technique in wound healing.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of highly fusogenic, unilamellar lipid vesicles containing magnesium-ATP.
• In vitro studies assessing vesicle fusion with endothelial cells and protection of cardiomyocytes during ischemia.
• In vivo studies evaluating skin wound healing in animal models.

Main Results:

• Lipid vesicles demonstrated rapid fusion with endothelial cells.
• Protection of endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes from ischemic injury was observed.
• Enhanced full-thickness skin wound healing was achieved in vivo.

Conclusions:

• The developed lipid vesicle technology enables efficient intracellular delivery of ATP.
• This method offers a promising strategy to mitigate cellular damage from ischemia and hypoxia.
• The technique shows potential for therapeutic applications, including accelerated wound healing.