Optimizing mRNA sequences to improve cancer therapies
Sequence optimization for mRNA cancer therapy
This project builds computer tools to design mRNA sequences that could make cancer treatments work better for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11289444 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will build machine-learning models and algorithms to design and optimize mRNA sequence elements, including 5' and 3' untranslated regions and coding sequences, to control how much and where a therapeutic protein is made. They will train and test these models using laboratory biological assays and sequence data to predict expression and pharmacokinetics. Promising designs will be validated in lab systems and used to accelerate development of mRNA immunotherapies for cancer. The team aims to deliver an in silico platform that can suggest tailored mRNA designs for specific cancer targets to shorten therapy development timelines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers that could be targeted by future mRNA immunotherapies, or those willing to donate tumor samples or join early-phase clinical trials, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without cancer or those who need an already approved treatment right away are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this development-stage work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable more effective and controllable mRNA cancer therapies that reach patients faster.
How similar studies have performed: mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 demonstrate the platform can work, but systematic computational sequence-design for cancer mRNA is still novel and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seelig, Georg — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Seelig, Georg
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.