1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Correspondence: Jong Bum Lee
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are state-of-the-art siRNA carriers but are limited by modest RNA loading, inefficient endosomal escape, and short-lived silencing due to burst release at escape. To overcome these constraints, we developed lipid-layered core RNA-assembled nanomodules (L-CRAMs) that couple a self-assembled RNA core with fusogenic lipids to enable sustained, high-capacity siRNA delivery. L-CRAMs release siRNA gradually, exhibit fusion-mediated intracellular delivery with limited endo-lysosomal sequestration, and produce robust silencing across single and multiplexed targets in vitro. Compared with MC3-LNPs, L-CRAMs prolonged intracellular gene silencing. Following systemic administration in mice, L-CRAMs induced potent, durable suppression of the clinically relevant liver gene APOC3, accompanied by reductions in serum triglycerides (TG) and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL). By integrating ultra-high RNA payloads, fusogenic uptake, and programmable multi-gene targeting, L-CRAMs provide a versatile, long-acting RNA interference platform that addresses key limitations of existing LNP systems and advances therapeutic RNA delivery.
고지혈증은 혈중 콜레스테롤이나 중성지방 수치가 비정상적으로 높은 상태로, 장기간 지속되면 심근경색, 뇌졸중과 같은 심혈관계 질환의 위험을 증가시킵니다. 현재는 식이·운동요법과 함께 스타틴 등의 약물치료가 주로 활용되고 있지만, 기존 치료만으로 충분한 효과를 얻기 어렵거나 심혈관질환 위험이 높은 환자에게는 질환 관련 유전자의 발현을 직접 억제하는 siRNA 치료제가 새로운 대안으로 주목받고 있습니다.