Nanoparticle Delivered Anti-miR-141-3p for Stroke Therapy

Ischemic stroke and factors modifying ischemic stroke responses, such as social isolation, contribute to long-term disability worldwide. Several studies demonstrated that the aberrant levels of microRNAs contribute to ischemic stroke injury. In prior studies, we established that miR-141-3p increases after ischemic stroke and post-stroke isolation. Herein, we explored two different anti-miR oligonucleotides; peptide nucleic acid (PNAs) and phosphorothioates (PS) for ischemic stroke therapy. We used US FDA approved biocompatible poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanoparticle formulations for delivery. The PNA and PS anti-miRs were encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles by double emulsion solvent evaporation technique. All the formulated nanoparticles showed uniform morphology, size, distribution, and surface charge density. Nanoparticles also exhibited a controlled nucleic acid release profile for 48 h. Further, we performed in vivo studies in the mouse model of ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke was induced by transient (60 min) occlusion of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by a reperfusion for 48 or 72 h. We assessed the blood-brain barrier permeability of PLGA NPs containing fluorophore (TAMRA) anti-miR probe after systemic delivery. Confocal imaging shows uptake of fluorophore tagged anti-miR in the brain parenchyma. Next, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy after systemic delivery of nanoparticles containing PNA and PS anti-miR-141-3p in mice after stroke. Post-treatment differentially reduced both miR-141-3p levels in brain tissue and infarct injury. We noted PNA-based anti-miR showed superior efficacy compared to PS-based anti-miR. Herein, we successfully established that nanoparticles encapsulating PNA or PS-based anti-miRs-141-3p probes could be used as a potential treatment for ischemic stroke.