Inventors:
Cynthia Meininger - Georgetown TX, US
International Classification:
A61K 48/00
Abstract:
The present invention includes delivery of isolated and purified nucleic acids that encode GTPCH proteins in nanoparticles for the treatment of endothelial cells damaged by diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The nanoparticles contain a nucleic acid sequence, polymer and a targeting ligand. The targeting ligand facilitates the selective delivery of the nucleic acid sequence to damaged endothelial cells. Examples involving a nucleic acid sequence encoding GTP-cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH), PEG/PEI polymers, and a monoclonal antibody or other molecule that binds to the lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-1 (Lox-1) or associated molecules are presented.