Understanding how different structures of mRNA delivery systems affect their function.
Official title: Structure-Property-Function Relationship in mRNA/CARTs for Targeted mRNA Delivery
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11015771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to help deliver mRNA treatments more effectively to specific organs, which could lead to better therapies for diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,828 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AI176755-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who may benefit from mRNA therapies, particularly those with cancer or viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require mRNA-based treatments or those with conditions unrelated to the targeted therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the delivery of mRNA therapies using charge-altering releasable transporter (CART) vectors. By studying how variations in the chemical structure of these vectors influence their ability to deliver mRNA effectively and safely to specific organs, the research aims to create optimized formulations for targeted therapies. The project employs advanced imaging techniques and microfluidic mixing protocols to analyze the properties and behaviors of these delivery systems in cell cultures. If successful, this work could lead to more effective mRNA-based treatments for various diseases, including cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted mRNA therapies for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches for targeted mRNA delivery, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hurst, Paul Joshua — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Hurst, Paul Joshua
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Multimodal AI to predict CAR-T patient response and guide safer, smarter cell design
A Stanford team is building AI tools that use patient and CAR-T cell data to predict how well a CAR-T therapy will work and what design changes might boost effectiveness and safety for people with cancer.
-
Community-driven model to reduce overdose deaths through smarter resource use
A Stanford-led project uses a data-driven model to help counties pick the best ways to prevent opioid and stimulant overdoses and save lives.
-
Center for Dissemination and Implementation at Stanford: Research Core
A Stanford-based program is advancing how evidence-based addiction treatments are implemented across settings to help people with substance use disorders receive better care.
-
Center for Dissemination and Implementation At Stanford (C-DIAS)
A center-based program at Stanford aims to speed people who need addiction treatments to get evidence-based care.
-
Mitochondrial structure and neuron health in Alzheimer's and ALS
This grant studies how mitochondrial cristae structure in neurons is controlled and how its disruption may contribute to diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS.
-
Pediatric EMS seizures: simpler age-based midazolam dosing
A nationwide trial at EMS agencies tests whether using fixed, age-based dosing of midazolam for seizures in children improves treatment speed and safety.
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.