© Christian Iván Zapata Maldonado
Neurodegenerative diseases represent a significant public health challenge that will intensify in the coming
decades. Their complexity and the lack of effective treatments make them a top priority for biomedical
research. The nervous system's complexity and the blood brain barrier hinder the development of traditional
drugs, limiting therapeutic options.
This study is focused on the development and in vitro investigation of a nanosystem designed to navigate in
an ATP environment and target neuronal receptors. This "nanoswimmer" is composed of a fluorescent
magnetic nanoparticle core that is functionalized with two genetically engineered proteins. The first is the
molecular chaperone HSP90-6XHIS, an ATPase that can refold proteins and prevent amyloid formation. The
second protein is the heavy chain of tetanus toxin C, known for its strong affinity for motor neurons, which is
used as a targeting mechanism.
This project has explored the ability of these “nanoswimmers” to interact with and internalize neuronal cells
in culture. This nanosystem offers exciting new possibilities for delivering therapeutic agents to motor
neurons to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
