The capabilities Nucleic acid therapeutics (NATs) for targeting disease at the genetic level by preventing the expression of disease-causing proteins have jump-started a race to develop NAT-based drugs that treat cardiovascular illness, diabetes, cancers, and a host of other human maladies.
How to best accomplish that targeting is the subject of intense scientific investigation worldwide.
In a recent study, Ionis Pharmaceuticals researchers concentrated on modified antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) NATs. They labeled ASO solutions with bromine and injected them into wild-type mice before harvesting their cells for imaging.
They turned to University of Western Australia in Perth to apply their NanoSIMS 50 L, a Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer uniquely capable of revealing the distribution of bromine-labeled ASOs throughout cellular and subcellular compartments. In their published work, the authors conclude that NanoSIMS imaging will be very useful in optimizing the efficacy and delivery of NATs for treating human disease, and advancing drug discovery.
Read this short report to learn more about this study and to find out how NanoSIMS imaging could support your own research.