Improving the delivery and effectiveness of therapeutic nucleic acids

Achieving enhanced cytosolic delivery and greater efficacy of therapeutic nucleic acids using DNA-surfactant conjugates

NIH-funded research University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-10889964

This study is looking at a new way to help medicines made from DNA get into cells more easily, which could make treatments for different diseases work better.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States)
Project IDNIH-10889964 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids (TNAs) to cells, which is crucial for treating various diseases. The approach involves creating DNA-surfactant conjugates that can better penetrate cell membranes and escape endosomal compartments, allowing for more effective gene silencing. By systematically studying the properties of these conjugates, such as their charge and size, the research aims to optimize their ability to deliver therapeutic agents directly to the cytosol of cells. This could lead to improved outcomes in clinical applications of TNAs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with diseases that could benefit from gene silencing therapies, particularly those with conditions currently lacking effective treatments.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have conditions treatable by therapeutic nucleic acids may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for diseases that currently have limited options, by improving the efficacy of therapeutic nucleic acids.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in enhancing the delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids using various chemical approaches, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Storrs-Mansfield, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.