Understanding how low oxygen affects cell manipulation using lipid nanoparticles
Official title: Investigating and Manipulating Cells in Low Oxygen Environments Using Lipid Nanoparticles
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11019652 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels affect how cells take in special tiny particles that carry important genetic instructions, which could help improve treatments for various health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $381,995 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM157060-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019652 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve low oxygen environments, such as certain cancers or chronic lung diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have conditions related to low oxygen environments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how low oxygen environments (LOEs) influence the way cells respond to lipid nanoparticles that carry messenger RNA (mRNA). By examining different cell types and mRNA sequences, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms of cellular uptake of these nanoparticles in low oxygen conditions. Additionally, the researchers will develop new tools, called Low Oxygen Environment Nanoparticles (LOENRs), to enhance the ability to manipulate cells in these challenging environments. This work is crucial for advancing health technologies that rely on effective cell manipulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for delivering therapies to cells in low oxygen conditions, which are common in various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on the effects of low oxygen on mRNA lipid nanoparticles, the development of similar nanoparticle technologies has shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fenton, Owen S — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Fenton, Owen S
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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.