Tetrahedral DNA Nanostructure‐Based Biomimetic Nanovesicles Attenuate Sepsis‐Associated ARDS by Suppressing Glycolysis via the BMAL1/PFKFB3 Axis

Apr 20, 2026Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)

DNA Nanostructure-Based Nanovesicles Reduce Sepsis-Related Lung Injury by Lowering Sugar Metabolism through the BMAL1/PFKFB3 Pathway

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Abstract

Treatment with RM@TNT resulted in significantly improved survival in SA-ARDS mice.

SA-ARDS is characterized by excessive lung inflammation and fluid buildup, lacking effective treatments.
BMAL1 in alveolar macrophages is identified as a key therapeutic target for SA-ARDS.
BMAL1 inhibits the glycolytic enzyme PFKFB3, which is associated with reduced inflammation and oxidative stress.
A biomimetic nanoplatform, RM@TNT, is engineered to deliver a BMAL1 agonist and an AM-targeting peptide directly to alveolar macrophages.
Inhalation of RM@TNT leads to prolonged retention in the lungs and targeted release of therapeutic agents in the inflamed tissue.

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Sepsis-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (SA-ARDS) is a life-threatening complication characterized by excessive pulmonary inflammation and pulmonary edema, lacking effective treatments. This study identifies the transcription factor BMAL1 in alveolar macrophages (AMs) as a key therapeutic target. Mechanistically, BMAL1 represses the expression of the glycolytic enzyme PFKFB3 by binding to the Pfkfb3 promoter, thereby inhibiting glycolysis, M1 polarization of AMs, and the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Based on this regulatory mechanism, a biomimetic nanoplatform, RM@TNT, is engineered for precise SA-ARDS therapy. Fabricated by hybridizing AM membrane-derived nanovesicles with ROS-responsive liposomes, the nanoplatform encapsulates tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TNT) preloaded with nobiletin (Nob, a BMAL1 agonist) and Tuftsin (an AM-targeting peptide). Following inhalation, the AM membrane tropism of RM@TNT ensures prolonged pulmonary retention, prompting targeted TNT release within the ROS-rich pathological microenvironment. Tuftsin then precisely delivers TNT to AMs, where Nob is intracellularly released to activate BMAL1. This activation upregulates the BMAL1/PFKFB3 axis, suppressing AM glycolysis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Treatment with RM@TNT resulted in significantly attenuated lung inflammation, injury, and edema, along with markedly improved survival in SA-ARDS mice. Collectively, this multimodal, targeted metabolic reprogramming approach is a highly promising therapeutic strategy for SA-ARDS.

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Tetrahedral DNA Nanostructure‐Based Biomimetic Nanovesicles Attenuate Sepsis‐Associated ARDS by Suppressing Glycolysis via the BMAL1/PFKFB3 Axis

Abstract

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