Genetically Programmable Spherical Nucleic Acids as Rapidly Adaptable Nanotherapeutics

AuraSense Therapeutics is developing oligonucleotide-modified gold nanoparticles called spherical nucleic acid (SNA) constructs, which are a powerful new way of regulating cellular gene expression. AuraSense Therapeutics will use SNAs as genetically programmable antimicrobial agents in a manner to provide a rapid and effective way to develop next generation antibiotics. The outcome of this work will be a new approach to generating bactericides- a rapidly adaptable genetically programmable nanoparticle therapeutic (RANT). The strategy is designed to be capable of being rapidly re-programmed to counter microbial threats, both natural and engineered. Importantly, our system can be adapted to kill emerging and mutating microbial threats, on-the-fly, by simply changing the oligonucleotide sequence conjugated to the Au NP surface. Because the constructs only change in genetic targeting sequence, it is a way in which to develop new agents without altering major toxicity and biodistribution profiles. As a result, an argument can be made for compassionate use of a new sequence via an abbreviated pharmaceutical development cycle.