Targeted microRNA delivery for EGFR cancers
Developing extracellular vesicle-mediated targeted microRNA delivery system for EGFR cancers
This research explores a new way to deliver powerful anti-cancer molecules directly to EGFR-positive cancer cells using tiny natural transporters from the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176805 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Current targeted cancer treatments sometimes have side effects or don't work as well as hoped because they can affect healthy cells. This project aims to create a smarter delivery method for microRNAs, which are small molecules that can fight tumors. We are engineering natural cell-derived "extracellular vesicles" to carry these microRNAs directly to cancer cells that have a specific marker called EGFR. Our goal is to make sure the anti-cancer treatment goes straight to the tumor, potentially reducing side effects and improving effectiveness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with EGFR-positive cancers might eventually benefit from therapies developed through this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not have the EGFR marker would likely not benefit from this specific targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective and safer treatments for EGFR-positive cancers by precisely targeting tumor cells.
How similar studies have performed: While microRNA therapy has faced delivery challenges in past clinical trials, this novel approach using engineered extracellular vesicles is a new strategy to overcome those issues.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harada, Masako — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Harada, Masako
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.