Delivering RNA to target cancer cells more effectively
Official title: Targeted RNA delivery using ribonucleoprotein
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11075133 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to help deliver special RNA treatments directly to cancer cells, which could make cancer therapies more effective for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $604,082 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA268985-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075133 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that could be treated using siRNA therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that are not amenable to siRNA-based treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to cancer cells, which can help silence specific genes involved in cancer progression. The team is developing a novel RNA nanocarrier that utilizes human RNA-binding proteins to enhance the targeting and effectiveness of siRNA therapies. By overcoming challenges related to the delivery of these therapies, the research aims to make antisense therapies more viable for clinical use. Patients may benefit from more effective cancer treatments that utilize this advanced delivery system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer therapies that specifically target and silence harmful genes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using RNA delivery systems, but this approach is innovative and aims to address longstanding challenges in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Xiaohu — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Gao, Xiaohu
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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.