2026/08/04 by Krupa Kansara, Shubha Lakshmi Swain, Bhagyesh Parmae +4 · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Neuroscience · #Zebrafish Biomedical Research Applications #RNA Interference and Gene Delivery #Nuclear Receptors and Signaling #Neuroprotection #Nanocages #Parkin #Parkinsonism #MPTP #Zebrafish #PINK1 #Apoptosis #Dopamine
paper · doi:10.64898/2026.08.04.742731
openalex publication_date 2026/08/04 · openalex created_date 2026/08/05 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
Parkinsons Disease (PD) is the second-most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, often characterized by neural motor dysfunction, oxidative stress, and dopamine receptor malfunction leading to improper dopamine levels in the system. DNA tetrahedron nanostructures are a promising drug delivery agent due to their biocompatibility and properties of controlled and sustained release. In this study we evaluated the potential of using TD-mediated Levodopa delivery for a MPTP induced Parkinsons Disease model in Zebrafish larvae. The induction of Parkinsonism led to morphological behaviour changes like the presence of tremors, erratic swimming behaviour, latency, and reduced locomotor activity, even elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis was observed. These effects and symptoms were alleviated when the larvae were treated using TD:Levodopa conjugates. At the molecular level, genes like TH, DAT, SOX2, PARKIN and apoptotic genes like BCL2 and caspases showed alteration in expression in the Parkinsonism model and post treatment was induced. This highlights the potential of using DNA nanocages as a novel drug delivery agent as therapeutic strategy for Parkinsons disease.