Using machine learning to create polymers for delivering genetic material into cells
Official title: Machine-guided design of chaperone-mimetic polymeric carriers for ribonucleoprotein delivery
Funded at Colorado School of Mines · NIH-11139097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new materials that can help deliver important molecules into blood-forming stem cells more safely and effectively, which could lead to better and more affordable gene therapies for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado School of Mines NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Golden, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,646 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB036183-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139097 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with genetic conditions that could benefit from advanced gene editing techniques.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve genetic components or those who are not candidates for gene therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative polymers that can effectively deliver ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) into cells, particularly hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). By utilizing machine learning techniques, the team aims to enhance the safety and precision of genome editing by ensuring that the RNPs maintain their proper structure during delivery. The project seeks to overcome challenges associated with traditional delivery methods, which can be costly and inefficient, by creating polymers that are easier and cheaper to produce. Patients may benefit from improved gene therapies that are more effective and less expensive due to these advancements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and affordable gene therapies for patients with genetic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using machine learning for polymer design and gene delivery, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Ramya — Colorado School of Mines
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Ramya
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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.