We produced a human recombinant Hsp70-1A fused with the cell-penetrating peptide Tat (Tat-Hsp70-1A), that was neuroprotective in vitro against the dopaminergic toxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). We developed and characterized a Tat-Hsp70-1A delivery system by exploiting an injectable, biocompatible, biodegradable semi-interpenetrating polymer network composed of collagen (COLL) and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (LMW HA), structured with gelatin particles. Tat-Hsp70-1A diffused from the selected COLL-LMW HA composites in an active form and protected dopaminergic cells and neurons in Parkinson’s disease (PD) models. Furthermore, Tat-Hsp70-loaded composites conveyed neuroprotection both at behavioral and dopaminergic neuronal level against striatal injection of 6-OHDA.
- Marta Tunesi
- Ilaria Raimondi
- Diego Albani
