Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Generation of Cationic Nanoliposomes for the Efficient Delivery of In Vitro Transcribed Messenger RNA
08:29

Generation of Cationic Nanoliposomes for the Efficient Delivery of In Vitro Transcribed Messenger RNA

Published on: February 1, 2019

Targeted Delivery of RNA Therapeutics through Ligand Conjugation

Melgious J Y Ang1, Su Seong Lee2,3, Joyce Tay1

  • 1Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Singapore.

Bioconjugate Chemistry
|June 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Precise delivery of RNA therapies to target tissues remains a challenge. This viewpoint explores obstacles and strategies for ligand-functionalized oligonucleotide conjugates and RNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • RNA therapies show great promise for treating diverse diseases.
  • Precise tissue-specific delivery of RNA therapeutics is a major hurdle.
  • Current delivery methods face significant challenges in achieving targeted delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine obstacles in delivering RNA therapeutics to specific tissues.
  • To review strategies for overcoming delivery challenges with RNA therapeutics.
  • To discuss the potential of ligand-functionalized oligonucleotide conjugates and RNA-lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current RNA delivery technologies.
  • Analysis of challenges associated with ligand-functionalized oligonucleotide conjugates.
  • Examination of obstacles and solutions for RNA-lipid nanoparticles (LNPs).

Main Results:

  • Ligand-functionalized oligonucleotide conjugates face challenges in stability and off-target effects.
  • RNA-LNPs show potential but require optimization for tissue specificity and reduced immunogenicity.
  • Strategies include novel ligand design, LNP formulation improvements, and combination approaches.

Conclusions:

  • Overcoming precise delivery obstacles is crucial for realizing the full potential of RNA therapies.
  • Advancements in ligand design and LNP technology are key to achieving targeted RNA delivery.
  • Continued research is needed to translate these strategies into effective clinical treatments.

Related Concept Videos

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted01:24

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
Ligand Binding Sites02:40

Ligand Binding Sites

Proteins are dynamic macromolecules that carry out a wide variety of essential processes; however, the activities of most proteins depend on their interactions with other molecules or ions, known as ligands.
Protein-ligand interactions are quite specific; even though numerous potential ligands surround a cellular protein at any given time, only a particular ligand can bind to that protein. Moreover, a ligand binds only to a dedicated area on the surface of the protein, known as the...
Types of RNA01:23

Types of RNA

Overview
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers01:24

Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers

Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
Experimental RNAi02:15

Experimental RNAi

RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...