In situ continuous Dopa supply by responsive artificial enzyme for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Abstract Oral dihydroxyphenylalanine (Dopa) administration to replenish neuronal dopamine remains the most effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, unlike the continuous and steady dopamine signaling in normal neurons, oral Dopa induces dramatic fluctuations in plasma Dopa levels, leading to Dopa-induced dyskinesia. Herein, we report a functional nucleic acid-based responsive artificial enzyme (FNA-Fe 3 O 4 ) for in situ continuous Dopa production. FNA-Fe 3 O 4 can cross the blood-brain barrier and target diseased neurons relying on transferrin receptor aptamer. Then, FNA-Fe 3 O 4 responds to overexpressed α-synuclein mRNA in diseased neurons for antisense oligonucleotide treatment and fluorescence imaging, while converting to tyrosine aptamer-based artificial enzyme (Apt-Fe 3 O 4 ) that mimics tyrosine hydroxylase for in situ continuous Dopa production. In vivo FNA-Fe 3 O 4 treatment results in recovery of Dopa and dopamine levels and decrease of pathological overexpressed α-synuclein in PD mice model, thus ameliorating motor symptoms and memory deficits. The presented functional nucleic acid-based responsive artificial enzyme strategy provides a more neuron friendly approach for the diagnosis and treatment of PD.