Fibronectin-coated nanoparticles for better tumor targeting
Official title: Fibronectin Enriched Protein Corona for Enhanced Tumor Targeting of Nanoparticles
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11431849 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new nanoparticle approach uses a fibronectin-rich coating to help drug-delivery particles reach and enter tumors more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $650,026 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA315964-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11431849 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with solid tumors that could benefit from targeted nanoparticle therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on FN-ITGA5 interactions or who cannot receive nanoparticle-based therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to understand how a fibronectin-enriched protein corona forms on tiny drug-carrying particles and how it helps them move from blood vessels into tumors. Researchers will study how these particles cross cells and spread through tumors, using both lab tests and animal models. The work could guide the design of smarter nanoparticle therapies that more precisely reach cancer sites. If successful, it may lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects for patients with cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more precise tumor-targeted therapies with better penetration and fewer off-target effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed that a fibronectin-rich corona can promote tumor targeting, but this study will deepen understanding and guide design for broader tumor types.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Jingjing — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sun, Jingjing
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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.