Developing new materials for delivering RNA therapies into cells
Official title: Computation-aided Molecular Design of DNA-Inspired Janus Base Biomaterials for Intracellular Delivery
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-10999709 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new materials that can help deliver mRNA treatments into cells more effectively, which could lead to better anti-inflammatory therapies and gene editing options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $424,451 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM155969-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999709 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that could benefit from RNA therapies, such as inflammatory diseases or genetic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have conditions treatable by RNA therapies may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative biomaterials designed to effectively deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) therapies into cells. By utilizing computational methods for molecular design, the team aims to enhance the properties of DNA-inspired Janus base biomaterials, which can help overcome challenges related to mRNA delivery. The research addresses critical issues such as the degradation of mRNA within cell endosomes and the need for improved systemic delivery methods. Patients may benefit from advancements in anti-inflammatory treatments and gene editing technologies as a result of this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective delivery of RNA-based therapies, improving treatment options for various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in RNA delivery systems, this approach using DNA-inspired Janus base biomaterials is relatively novel and aims to address existing limitations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yupeng — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yupeng
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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.