Shape matters in DNA nanoparticle therapy, study finds

Researchers from Johns Hopkins and Northwestern universities have conducted a study which showed how to control the shape of nanoparticles that move DNA through the body.

The research discovered the shapes of these carriers may make a big difference in how well they work in treating cancer and other diseases, which could have an impact on treatments being developed in the future.

Hai-Quan Mao, an associate professor of materials science and engineering in Johns Hopkins' Whiting School of Engineering, stated that the nanoparticles could become a safer and more effective delivery vehicle for gene therapy, targeting genetic diseases, cancer and a wide range of other illnesses.

The research has been published in the most recent online edition of the journal Advanced Materials, which was revealed today (October 12th).

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic recently observed that an enzyme found to destroy beta-amyloid that could be used in gene therapy may hold significant potential as a means to combat Alzheimer's disease.

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