Serum-tolerant polymeric complex for stem-cell transfection and neural differentiation

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy holds promise in biomedical applications but faces challenges in efficient transfection without compromising cell viability. Here, we show a serum-tolerant MSC transfection nanotool, APOs@BP, composed of an apolipoprotein (APO) corona and a boronated polyethyleneimine (BP) core. The APOs corona's serum-protein resistance and cytomembrane affinity enable APOs@BP to achieve 10.4-fold higher transfection efficiency and improved cytocompatibility in serum-containing medium compared to high-molecular-weight polycationic transfectants. For MSC neural differentiation, miRNA-124 and all-trans retinoic acid derivative (atRAN) are further loaded into APOs@BP, forming a polymeric complex for sequential drug release triggered by lysosomal acid and cytosolic reactive oxygen species post-transplantation. Transcriptomic analysis confirms that this system enhances MSC neural differentiation through sequential activation of atRAN-induced differentiation potential and miRNA-124-directed neurogenesis via cGMP-PKG, MAPK, and PI3K-Akt pathways. Transplantation of engineered MSCs reconstructs neural circuits and alleviates cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease model mice. Collectively, this system provides a robust and convenient method for MSC-based regenerative medicine. Stem cell therapies have huge potential but face challenges. Here, the authors report on a serum-tolerant boronated polyethyleneimine assembly with apolipoprotein corona, to carry miRNA-124 and all-trans retinoic acid derivative to achieve efficient stem-cell transfection and neural differentiation.