Targeted nanoparticles to block a cancer-driving RNA in triple-negative breast cancer
Smart nanoparticles regulating oncogenic IncRNA for breast cancer therapy
This project uses tiny targeted lipid nanoparticles carrying RNA to block a cancer-driving long non-coding RNA in people with triple-negative breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11283954 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, researchers are building 'smart' lipid ECO/siRNA nanoparticles designed to deliver RNA that turns off a cancer-promoting molecule called the lncRNA BORG. They will optimize these nanoparticles so they home to triple-negative breast cancer cells and deliver their payload systemically. In lab and animal tests they've already seen slowed tumor growth, and they plan further work to reduce metastasis, overcome chemotherapy resistance, and boost anti-tumor immunity. The long-term aim is to create a safe, effective systemic therapy that could move into human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those with metastatic or chemotherapy-resistant disease whose tumors overexpress the lncRNA BORG.
Not a fit: Patients with non–triple-negative breast cancers, tumors that do not overexpress BORG, or those who cannot receive systemic experimental therapies are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower metastasis, make tumors more responsive to chemotherapy, and enhance the immune system's ability to fight triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Lipid nanoparticle siRNA drugs have been successful in other diseases and preclinical cancer studies are encouraging, but targeting the lncRNA BORG in TNBC is a novel and early-stage strategy.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Zheng-Rong — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Lu, Zheng-Rong
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.