LSI investigator Pieter Cullis and Brain Research Centre investigators Brian MacVicar and Terry Snutch report the identification of a principal pathway involved in cytotoxic brain edema. Inhibition of the key protein SLC26A11 using lipid nanoparticle formulation of siRNA reduces swelling in neurons and subsequent cell death. This research is foundational work for novel therapies for brain edema.
Dr. Pieter Cullis is the Director of the Life Sciences Institute, Director of the NanoMedicines Research Group, Chair of the Personalized Medicine Initiative, and Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Rungta, R et al. The Cellular Mechanisms of Neuronal Swelling Underlying Cytotoxic Edema. Cell.