Nasal-to-brain siRNA delivery based on trace amine associated receptor for improving cognitive function

Gene-based therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders face substantial challenges in overcoming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to effectively target brain tissues. The nasal-to-brain delivery route has gained increasing attention as it bypasses the BBB, facilitating faster drug delivery to the lesion site while minimizing systemic side effects. Here, we developed a nasal-to-brain delivery system to administer small interfering RNA (siRNA) for the treatment of radiation-induced brain injury (RBI). RNA sequencing revealed that the p53 signaling pathway was predominantly enriched in the hippocampus, with significant upregulation of Alox12B expression in RBI mice. To improve the delivery of siRNA targeting Alox12B, we engineered spermidine-modified ginseng-derived extracellular vesicles (S-GEVs) nanoparticles, termed S-GEVs@siRNA. These nanoparticles leveraged the targeting capabilities of spermidine for olfactory receptor-trace amine associated receptor (TAAR), enhancing siRNA delivery and therapeutic efficacy. After intranasal administration, the nanoparticles were efficiently internalized by olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) via the olfactory nerve pathway. The nanoparticles then escaped lysosomes, releasing siRNA into the cytoplasm, leading to gene downregulation and therapeutic benefits. Our results demonstrated that the designed nanoparticles were absorbed by the ORNs labeled with the Olfactory Marker Protein (OMP) and TAAR5 and successfully entered the olfactory bulb and the brain. Treatment with these nanoparticles significantly reduced p53-mediated neuronal ferroptosis and improved synaptic function both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, S-GEVs@siRNA nanoparticles rapidly reached the olfactory bulb through TAAR-mediated endocytosis, entered hippocampal neurons, downregulated Alox12B expression, exerted neuroprotective effects, and alleviated RBI-induced cognitive dysfunction. The designed nasal-to-brain delivery system holds great promise for treating various CNS diseases.