ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Encapsulation state of messenger RNA inside lipid nanoparticles | JoVE Visualize

Home
Research Domains
Engineering

Encapsulation state of messenger RNA inside lipid nanoparticles

Mark L Brader¹, Sean J Williams¹, Jessica M Banks¹

¹Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Biophysical Journal|March 28, 2021

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Researchers visualized messenger RNA (mRNA) within lipid nanoparticles using a novel dye. This technique reveals mRNA’s location, crucial for developing advanced mRNA therapies.

Area of Science:

Biophysics
Nanotechnology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Understanding lipid nanoparticle (LNP) structure is key for mRNA therapeutics.
The precise location and environment of mRNA within LNPs remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a method for visualizing mRNA within LNPs using cryo-electron microscopy.
To determine the microenvironment and localization of mRNA inside LNPs.

Main Methods:

Utilized thionine, a cationic dye, as a contrasting agent for cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM).
Thionine selectively binds to mRNA without altering LNP structure.
Analyzed cryo-EM images to map mRNA distribution within LNPs.

Main Results:

Thionine effectively visualizes mRNA localization within LNPs.
Identified two primary locations for mRNA: solvent-filled cavities and lipid-associated regions.
Confirmed that thionine does not disrupt the overall morphology of the lipid nanoparticles.

Conclusions:

Thionine is a valuable tool for cryo-EM visualization of mRNA in LNPs.
The findings provide critical insights into mRNA packaging within LNPs.
This structural understanding is essential for optimizing LNP-based drug delivery systems.

Encapsulation State Of Messenger Rna Inside Lipid Nanoparticles