How RNA nanoparticles' shape and surface affect delivery to tumors
Official title: Mechanistic insights on structure, topology and radiation effects on RNA nanomedicines
Funded at Oregon State University · NIH-11257727 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work tests different RNA nanoparticle designs to find which ones deliver RNA more reliably to solid tumors for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Corvallis, United States) |
| Project start | January 10, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $558,135 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA270783-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11257727 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with solid tumors who may later be eligible for clinical trials of improved RNA-LNP cancer therapies would be most relevant.
✕Less likely to help
People with conditions unrelated to solid tumors or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical work.
What this research studies
The team is comparing a large library of differently shaped and chemically modified lipid nanoparticles that carry RNA to see which designs reach tumors best. They attach unique barcodes to each nanoparticle and use detailed lab tests and imaging in cancer models to track where the RNA travels in the body, tissues, and cells. By linking delivery patterns to nanoparticle structure, topology, and surface chemistry, they aim to define clear design rules. The final aim is a practical guide for designing RNA-LNP cancer therapies that get into solid tumors more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help create RNA-based cancer treatments that reach solid tumors more reliably and work better with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Lipid nanoparticle RNA delivery has succeeded for vaccines and liver-targeted therapies, but reliably delivering RNA to solid tumors remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon State University
Corvallis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Conroy Ghin Chee — Oregon State University
- Study coordinator: Sun, Conroy Ghin Chee
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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.