New Nanomedicines to Fight Drug-Resistant Cancer
Subcellular enzyme-instructed self-assembly for molecular anticancer nanomedicines
This project is developing tiny new medicines that work inside cancer cells to overcome drug resistance and improve cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11026423 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative nanomedicines, called subcellular enzyme-instructed self-assembly (sEISA), designed to target cancer cells more effectively. These tiny particles are engineered to assemble into molecular nanofibers directly within cancer cells, specifically in areas like the mitochondria and cytoplasm. By disrupting multiple cellular processes, these nanofibers aim to prevent cancer cells from developing resistance to treatment. Early findings suggest that this approach can selectively target cancer cells and reduce tumor growth in laboratory models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers that have developed resistance to existing treatments, such as ovarian cancer, might eventually benefit from this type of therapy.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not drug-resistant or who are not suitable for nanomedicine-based therapies may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer new ways to treat cancers that have become resistant to current therapies, potentially leading to more effective and lasting treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown promising results with this specific sEISA approach in animal models, indicating its potential, though the mechanisms are novel.
Where this research is happening
Waltham, United States
- Brandeis University — Waltham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Bing — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Xu, Bing
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 below.