Peptide-mediated targeted delivery of SOX9 nanoparticles into astrocytes ameliorates ischemic brain injury.

Astrocytes are highly activated following brain injuries, and their activation influences neuronal survival. Additionally, SOX9 expression is known to increase in reactive astrocytes. However, the role of SOX9 in activated astrocytes following ischemic brain damage has not been clearly elucidated yet. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the role of SOX9 in reactive astrocytes using a poly-lactic--glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticle plasmid delivery system in a photothrombotic stroke animal model. We designed PLGA nanoparticles to exclusively enhance SOX9 gene expression in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactive astrocytes. Our observations indicate that PLGA nanoparticles encapsulated with GFAP:SOX9:tdTOM reduce ischemia-induced neurological deficits and infarct volume through the prostaglandin D2 pathway. Thus, the astrocyte-targeting PLGA nanoparticle plasmid delivery system provides a potential opportunity for stroke treatment. Since the only effective treatment currently available is reinstating the blood supply, cell-specific gene therapy using PLGA nanoparticles will open a new therapeutic paradigm for brain injury patients in the future.