DNA-inspired materials to safely deliver RNA inside cells for cartilage health
Official title: Computation-aided Molecular Design of DNA-Inspired Janus Base Biomaterials for Intracellular Delivery
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-11377617 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, computer-designed biomaterial aims to deliver RNA therapies into cells to treat cartilage diseases.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $354,200 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM155969-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377617 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with cartilage diseases who could benefit from future RNA-based treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to RNA-based therapies or with non-cartilage conditions may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses computer modeling to design DNA-inspired Janus base materials that can carry messenger RNA into cells for therapeutic purposes. Researchers will validate these materials in the lab, focusing on improving how RNA cargos escape endosomes and reach the cell cytoplasm. The work aims to overcome common delivery barriers so RNA-based anti-inflammatory therapies could reach affected tissues more effectively. The study is centered on intracellular delivery challenges with the goal of making RNA therapies safer and more efficient for patients with cartilage diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enable safer and more effective RNA therapies for cartilage conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous delivery methods have shown partial success, but this project seeks to substantially improve endosomal escape and systemic delivery.
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
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.