Creating a new treatment using siRNA to silence genes causing skin diseases
Official title: Developing a programmable siRNA-based therapeutic platform for gene silencing in the skin
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10888415 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new treatment using tiny molecules to help silence genes that cause skin problems like eczema and autoimmune diseases, with the hope that just one dose could provide lasting relief for people who struggle with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $113,215 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AR082987-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888415 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis or vitiligo.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with skin conditions that are not autoimmune or inflammatory may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel therapeutic platform using small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target and silence specific genes responsible for various skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis and autoimmune conditions. By leveraging recent advancements in RNA interference technology, the study aims to create a treatment that can provide long-lasting effects with just one dose. The approach involves testing the safety and effectiveness of these siRNA therapies in mouse models before considering human applications. This innovative method could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from skin disorders that currently have limited options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with difficult-to-treat skin diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with siRNA therapies in treating liver diseases, indicating potential for similar breakthroughs in dermatological applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Qi — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Tang, Qi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.