Cells use nanoparticle couriers to exchange biological information

Researchers at University College Dublin have identified a previously unknown system used by cells to exchange biological information which could lead to new developments in medicine and biotechnology.

The study describes how cells use tiny particle-based ’courier systems’ to transfer complex biological messages between one another. The discovery may eventually enable scientists to deliver therapeutic molecules to areas of the body that are currently difficult or impossible to reach.

Unlocking hidden cellular communication

The research team, led by scientists at the university’s Centre for BioNano Interactions, found that certain nanoparticles entering a cell can undergo an unexpected transformation. A small number of the particles become coated in a dense layer made up of the cell’s own proteins and RNA, forming what the researchers describe as a ’condensate corona’. The coating carries a biological programme, effectively packaging instructions that can be passed from one cell to another.

These courier systems also carry ‘keys’ that unlock natural (endogenous) gateways, enabling them to access biological locations that conventional delivery methods can not reach.

“By gaining access to these natural gateways, it could be possible to ferry ‘toolkits’ of functional biomolecules, for example extended corrective messages, directly into previously inaccessible areas within cells, and across biological barriers, greatly improving the effectiveness and, importantly, the safety of RNA, gene and protein-based therapies,” said Yan Yan, Associate Professor at UCD’s School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science. 

Capturing messages in transit

One of the main breakthroughs in the study was the ability to intercept these biological messages as they moved between cells. The researchers achieved this by embedding tiny magnetic elements within the particles, allowing them to capture the droplets before delivery.

One of the main breakthroughs in the study was the ability to intercept these biological messages as they moved between cells. 

Because the messages remained intact, the team was able to analyse their contents and understand how information is transferred between cells.

Once the particles enter a new cell, the coating detaches and avoids the cell’s usual degradation processes. This enables the transported proteins and RNA to remain active and integrate into the recipient cell’s internal systems, directly influencing its behaviour.

From discovery to potential therapies

Researchers believe that when this communication system malfunctions, it may contribute to disease progression, including the spread of cancer.

“Evidence has grown that this messaging system, when it goes wrong, is key to promoting tumour metastasis,” said Kenneth Dawson, Director of the Centre for BioNano Interactions. ”However, it was like looking for a needle in a haystack: there are so many different kinds of particulates in the body, it was hard to find how the useful ones work. With the prototype in our hands, we were able to break into these communications and understand how biological information is shared between cells. From there, we began to send our own messages via the same system.”

Early-stage research with significant promise

While the discovery is still at an early stage, it offers a new framework for understanding cellular communication and developing targeted therapies. By using these natural courier systems, scientists may eventually be able to design more precise and effective treatments for a range of diseases.

While the discovery remains at an early stage, it offers a new framework for understanding cellular communication and developing targeted therapies.

“The findings provide a new blueprint for sending strategic and therapeutically effective biological messages to currently inaccessible locations in the body. That points towards a new concept of medicine that could reverse, rather than manage, currently intractable diseases,” said Dawson.