Targeting Mutant KRAS in Colon Cancer Lung Metastasis with RNA Nanotechnology
Official title: Mechanism and approach to inactivate mutant KRAS of lung metastatic colon cancer by RNA-ligand-displaying exosome to co-deliver dCas9--gRNA ribonucleoprotein complex and KRAS siRNA
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11129835 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to develop a new way to deliver gene-silencing therapies directly to lung metastatic colon cancer cells that have a specific KRAS gene mutation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 2, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $475,445 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA293945-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129835 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with colon cancer that has spread to the lungs and carries a specific KRAS gene mutation would be the ideal candidates for future therapies developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose colon cancer does not have KRAS mutations or has not metastasized to the lungs may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
Colon cancer that spreads to the lungs, especially with a KRAS gene mutation, is very difficult to treat. This project is creating tiny RNA-based nanoparticles, called exosomes, that can specifically find and enter these cancer cells. Inside the cells, these nanoparticles will deliver special tools, including a CRISPR-based system and siRNA, designed to turn off the mutated KRAS gene. The hope is that by silencing this 'undruggable' gene, we can stop the cancer from growing and spreading.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new and effective treatment option for patients with metastatic colon cancer driven by KRAS mutations, a condition currently with limited treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: RNA nanotechnology and CRISPR-based gene silencing have shown promise in laboratory settings for delivering therapies and modifying genes, but this specific combination and targeting strategy for mutant KRAS in metastatic colon cancer is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Peixuan — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Guo, Peixuan
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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.