This autumn is a season of harvest for us at UNILIPO Research with Reason!
Our original research paper has been successfully accepted by the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.
The International Journal of Biological Macromolecules is a top-tier international journal with a 2023 impact factor of 7.7. The study in this paper focuses on our patented raw material, UNISOUL® RNAiW. Since we may be the first brand globally to introduce RNAi technology into skincare, it has garnered significant attention from industry experts.
What is RNAi technology?
RNAi technology, or RNA interference, was first unveiled in a landmark 1998 study by Professors Andrew Fire and Craig Mello from the United States, published in Nature. Their experiments demonstrated that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) could trigger gene silencing in C. elegans, opening the door to RNAi technology.
To understand RNAi, one must first grasp some basics of biology. Genes are the genetic code of living organisms, made up of long chains of DNA composed of four bases. Three DNA bases correspond to one amino acid, and through different combinations of these bases, genes can express various proteins.
For genes to function, their DNA sequence must first be transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA then acts as a template for translating proteins, which ultimately perform numerous physiological functions within cells.
Simply put, genes are the code, proteins are the final products made according to that code, and mRNA is the messenger carrying the code, acting as a nucleic acid intermediary between genes and proteins.
Thus, when we want the body to gain or lose certain functions—specifically by altering the proteins responsible for those functions—we can do so by modifying mRNA rather than genes themselves, as changing genes directly is challenging and risky.
For instance, the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine consists of mRNA that encodes the spike protein of the coronavirus. Once injected, this mRNA guides the expression of the spike protein within the body.
At this stage, immune cells in the body recognize the spike protein as a sign of viral invasion and respond by producing antibodies.
Since the body has a reserve of antibodies, it can rapidly eliminate the virus if a real infection occurs.
If mRNA vaccines represent a process of "creating something from nothing," RNAi technology represents a process of "reducing something to nothing." The "i" in RNAi stands for "interference," making RNAi a technique that intentionally interferes with the process of mRNA being translated into proteins.
Research has shown that small double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA) can bind to mRNA sequences with matching sequences, leading to the degradation of the bound mRNA by enzymes, thus preventing the corresponding protein from being expressed.
By designing specific sequences of double-stranded RNA, we can theoretically interfere with any gene and block the synthesis of its corresponding protein. Due to its high safety profile and promising applications, this technology earned its discoverers, Professors Fire and Mello, the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
This year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is also related to RNA interference. Professors Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were awarded for their discovery of microRNA (miRNA), an innate RNA interference mechanism in living organisms.
miRNA is encoded and transcribed by an organism’s own DNA. Its presence influences the timing and manner of gene expression, thereby impacting developmental timing and other critical biological processes.
Have you ever wondered why muscle cells and fat cells, despite having identical genes, are so different? This is achieved through gene regulation mechanisms such as microRNA and DNA methylation.
In other words, the 2006 Nobel Prize recognized the technology of synthesizing small RNA molecules to achieve targeted gene regulation in organisms, while the 2024 Nobel Prize celebrated the major discovery of organisms’ own miRNA regulatory mechanisms.
In recent years, RNAi technology’s effectiveness and safety have gained widespread recognition, showing promising potential in the medical field.
For example, the siRNA drug I mentioned in my last talk, which can reduce lipoprotein(a) expression by 100%, has already reached Phase III clinical trials and is expected to be on the market soon.
However, almost no one has considered using RNAi technology in skincare. The reason is simple—it’s just too difficult!
The challenge lies in the fact that RNA is extremely fragile! High temperatures cause degradation, excessive shear forces break it down, and incorrect pH can lead to degradation as well. In short, it’s a substance that’s prone to giving up. If we were to make it directly into a skincare product, by the time it's ready for packaging, it would be destroyed in the mixing process.
On top of that, RNA is expensive, has a large molecular weight, and poor skin penetration. Few people in the cutting-edge skincare field are familiar with it, so before us, no one had even considered using RNAi technology in skincare products.
However, my years of experience working in molecular biology labs have shown me that RNAi technology holds significant potential in both skincare and dietary supplements. Therefore, despite all the challenges, we had to pursue it!
The first problem to solve was stability.
Through preliminary experiments, we identified the most suitable modification groups to add a small cap to the RNA, effectively camouflaging it and preventing enzymatic recognition and degradation.
The next challenge to address was enhancing skin penetration.
We modified traditional liposome particles using cationic polymers and supramolecular solvents, giving them a positive charge that allows them to firmly bind to the negatively charged RNA. Additionally, the positively charged liposomes and supramolecular solvents significantly improve the skin penetration of the traditional liposomes.
The experimental data of our UNISOUL® RNAiW
Penetration experiments and RNA and protein inhibition test data show that our upgraded liposomes, encapsulating small RNA molecules, can smoothly penetrate the skin and enter cells, demonstrating significant RNA interference functionality.
After treatment, the expression of MITF, the most critical protein in the melanin synthesis process, decreased by an astonishing 82.7%!
What does this mean? The reason white people can never tan as dark as others is because their MITF expression is much lower than ours. With artificial interference, our goal of achieving fairer, porcelain-like skin is not far off.
However, in vitro experiments alone are not enough to prove the point, so we also conducted human clinical trials.
We applied the liposomal small RNA serum to the faces of participants in the experimental group.
With cutting-edge technology, the results were naturally impressive. After 14 days, there was a significant improvement in skin brightness and a reduction in melanin content in the spots. After 28 days, the effects were even more enhanced. This indicates that our liposome-encapsulated siRNA material shows excellent whitening efficacy in clinical environments, making it a highly valuable whitening ingredient for both academic research and practical application.
Additionally, due to the highly specific nature and safety of small RNA molecules, our human trials showed excellent tolerance, with no participants dropping out due to skin irritation. Thanks to a solid theoretical foundation, reliable experimental data, and significant results, our siRNA has received high praise and recognition from expert teams both domestically and internationally.
We would like to express our deep gratitude to Professors Andrew Fire and Craig Mello. Their groundbreaking discovery has greatly accelerated the development of human disease treatments, longevity science, and other fields.
Our second patented siRNA material, UNISOUL® RNAiG, is also about to be launched. This ingredient can block the production of excess male hormones, significantly reducing androgenic alopecia and acne. We have incorporated UNISOUL® RNAiG into our upgraded scalp serum and salicylic acid serum, and the results are highly anticipated.
Our UNILIPO Pterostilbene Serum contains 5% UNISOUL® RNAiW. If you're concerned about dull skin and a yellowish complexion, you can click on the image below to make a purchase. We believe it will provide you with a completely different experience.
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