Dr. Zhenpeng Qin and co-principal investigator (Co-PI), Dr. Yuki Oka, have received $3,926,916 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for their research on Enhancing Non-Viral Neuron-Specific Molecule Delivery Across Species in the CNS. This study aims to support and improve the way that molecules are delivered to neurons in the brain and spinal cord through different species and presents a new tiny protein fragment, N1 peptide, that is 15 amino acids long, which shows the ability to find and target neurons in various brain regions and animals.

For years, there have been huge challenges getting molecules that are not genetically encoded precisely into neurons without using viruses. To resolve this issue, Dr. Qin and Dr. Oka plan to explore how well the N1 peptide can carry genes, proteins, and imaging tools directly into neurons and will look into gentle, non-invasive delivery methods, like using ultrasound, to get these molecules into the brain safely. If successful, the results from their study could open the door to more resolutions in understanding the brain and developing new treatments for neurological conditions, and will contribute to the field of bioengineering.