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Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Formulating and Characterizing Lipid Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery using a Microfluidic Mixing Platform
Published on: February 25, 2021
Lipid nanoparticle-based non-viral in situ gene editing of congenital ichthyosis-causing mutations in human skin
Dilem Ceren Apaydin1, Gaurav Sadhnani1, Tiffany Carlaw2
1Berlin Institute of Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany.
Abstract:
Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) refers to a group of rare, highly debilitating skin disorders that significantly impair patients' quality of life and lack any effective treatment options. Here, we report clinically relevant in situ correction of the most common ARCI-causing mutation, TGM1 c.877-2A>G, a splice-site aberration, in human disease models. Targeted skin barrier modulation followed by topical application of the cytosine base editor eTd packaged into lipid nanoparticles yielded functional restoration of ∼30% of wild-type transglutaminase 1 activity in skin tissue. Toxicity studies and comprehensive off-target analysis demonstrated an excellent safety profile even after repeated application, without systemic distribution of the lipid nanoparticles or the genetic cargo as determined via highly sensitive methods, including desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) metabolic imaging. This study presents comprehensive preclinical data on the feasibility of in situ gene correction of genodermatoses-causing mutations, showcasing its therapeutic potential and paving the way for curative next-generation treatments for severe genetic skin diseases.
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