Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41717169›Full record

ArticleCureus2026

Synergistic Enhancement of Non-viral SIRT1 Gene Delivery to Human Skin Equivalents Using Microneedling and Liposomal Vectors.

Wataru Matsunaga, Takahiro Ishikawa, Miki Nakashima, Akinobu Gotoh

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Cureus, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Wataru MatsunagaJoint-Use Research Facilities, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, JPN.
Takahiro IshikawaAffiliated Research Institute, Foundation for Kobe International Medical Alliance, Kobe, JPN.
Miki NakashimaResearch Department, GCT (Global Connector Technology) Co. Ltd., Kasuyamachi, JPN.
Akinobu GotohDepartment of Education for Medical Research Base, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, JPN.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionThe "longevity gene" sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a critical regulator of oxidative stress and cellular senescence, making it a high-value target for anti-aging dermatological interventions. However, the stratum corneum poses a formidable barrier to the transdermal delivery of therapeutic genes. This study systematically evaluated the efficacy of non-viral SIRT1 plasmid delivery to a full-thickness 3D human skin equivalent (T-Skin™) using distinct vector formulations and physical enhancement methods. MATERIALS AND

methodsWe compared the delivery efficiency of naked plasmid DNA and a cationic liposomal formulation using two delivery methods: (1) simple topical application and (2) automated microneedling (Dermapen, 0.2 mm diameter). SIRT1 expression was quantified 24 hours post-delivery using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

resultsThe results demonstrated a pronounced synergistic effect: the combination of a liposomal plasmid with Dermapen (Lipo-Dermapen) yielded the highest efficiency, with a ~357-fold increase in SIRT1 mRNA expression compared with the control. Notably, the second-highest efficiency was achieved by the simple, non-invasive, and topical application of naked plasmids (Plasmid-Direct), which achieved a remarkable ~70-fold increase in expression. This non-invasive approach unexpectedly outperformed other delivery groups, including liposomal topical application (Lipo-Direct, ~27-fold) and naked plasmid with Dermapen (Plasmid-Dermapen, ~10-fold).

conclusionsThe Lipo-Dermapen platform provides robust proof of concept for the development of high-efficacy, minimally invasive clinical gene therapies. Furthermore, the unexpected efficacy of non-invasive naked plasmid delivery suggests a novel potential for accessible, self-administered dermatological interventions.

Indexed as

gene deliveryliposomesmicroneedlingsirt1skin aging

Identifiers

PMID41717169
PMCPMC12916226

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.