A synthetic mitochondrial-based vector for therapeutic purposes

Delivery of large DNA constructs is necessary for combinatorial, anti-aging gene therapy. However, this is hindered by the lack of a non-inflammatory vector with sufficient packaging space and the ability to effectively spread through tissue. It is possible that a mitochondrion, altered to be able to secrete therapeutic proteins, could serve as an ideal gene delivery vector in this regard (for post-mitotic cells at least). Initial transfection of mitochondria with a therapeutic gene vector could be undertaken by MITO-Porter, i.e., a dual-layered fusogenic liposomal-based delivery system.
Source: Medical Hypotheses - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Source Type: research