Using peptide carriers to improve RNA delivery for treating HPV-related oral cancers
Official title: An investigation of how filopodia can be exploited by peptide carriers for enhanced uptake of RNAi cargo for the treatment of HPV+ oral cancers.
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11130901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help deliver special treatments for HPV-related oral cancers, using tiny carriers to make the therapy work better and possibly cause fewer side effects for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $57,774 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DE032262-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with HPV-negative cancers or those who do not have head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how peptide carriers can enhance the delivery of RNA interference (RNAi) therapies specifically targeting HPV-positive oral cancers. By focusing on the viral oncogenes E6 and E7, which contribute to cancer progression, the study aims to improve the effectiveness of RNAi treatments. The approach involves using a novel peptide carrier that has shown promising results in laboratory settings, potentially allowing for better uptake of therapeutic RNA molecules in cancer cells. Patients may benefit from a more effective treatment option that could reduce the side effects associated with traditional therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for patients with HPV-positive oral cancers, potentially leading to better outcomes and fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with RNAi therapies in targeting oncogenes, indicating that this approach has potential, although the specific use of peptide carriers in this context is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holjencin, Charles Everett — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Holjencin, Charles Everett
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.