Retrograde Transport Protein-Guided Drug Delivery
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Retrograde Transport Protein-Guided Drug Delivery
Wed, 12/03/2025 - 13:00 to 14:00
Location:
Speaker:
Professor Guangzhao Mao
Affiliation:
University of Edinburgh
Synopsis:
Delivering therapeutic molecules to the central nervous system (CNS) remains a significant challenge due to the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier. To overcome this hurdle, we have developed a nanoparticle-based drug delivery system that exploits retrograde transport to efficiently transfer drug molecules from peripheral muscles to motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain, bypassing the need to directly cross the blood-brain barrier. Our approach leverages neural tracing proteins, traditionally used to map neural circuitry, repurposing them for targeted drug delivery within the CNS. In this study, we present advancements in the synthesis and characterization of our nanoconjugates, in vitro validation using microfluidic models of retrograde transport, and promising in vivo results. Our findings highlight both the potential and the challenges of this strategy for precision-targeted therapeutic interventions in neurological disorders.
Biography:
Professor Guangzhao Mao is a leading innovator in nanotechnology and materials engineering, shaping the future of nanomedicine and advanced sensor systems. As Head of the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, she spearheads cutting-edge research that bridges engineering and medicine, unlocking groundbreaking possibilities in drug delivery and nanoscale material applications.
Her pioneering research focuses on two transformative areas:
Electrocrystallization & Nanosensors. Her research unravels the fundamental processes of nucleation and crystal growth in electrodeposition, applying these insights to develop next-generation gas sensors. Her work enhances sensor scalability, with impactful applications in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and industrial automation. Her breakthroughs in integrating nanosensors into larger systems are redefining their real-world potential.
Nanotechnology & Neuroscience. Merging nanotechnology with neuroscience, Mao’s team is developing revolutionary drug delivery systems targeting the central nervous system. Her protein-drug nanoconjugates offer a novel way to bypass the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a long-standing challenge in treating neurological disorders. This innovative approach has already shown promising results in enhancing respiratory function for spinal cord injury, with significant implications for neurodegenerative disease treatments. Her latest advancements include a microfluidic cell-based assay that accelerates drug screening and preclinical evaluations.
With an impressive track record of driving scientific innovation, Professor Mao continues to push the boundaries of chemical & materials engineering, shaping the next generation of engineering solutions with real-world impact