Using peptides to deliver therapeutic molecules inside cells
Official title: Cell-penetrating peptide adaptors for intracellular cargo delivery
Funded at Kennesaw State University · NIH-10653590 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to help medicines get inside cells more easily, which could make treatments for certain conditions work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kennesaw State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kennesaw, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2019 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $406,500 |
| NIH project number | 2R15EB028609-03A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10653590 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that could benefit from improved intracellular delivery of therapeutic molecules.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose conditions do not involve the need for enhanced intracellular delivery of therapies may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) that can effectively deliver therapeutic molecules into cells. The approach involves creating a fusion protein that binds to specific cargo molecules in the presence of calcium, allowing these molecules to enter the cell and be released where they are needed. By overcoming the challenge of cargo molecules getting trapped in endosomes, this technology aims to enhance the effectiveness of various treatments. Patients may benefit from improved delivery of therapies that target specific cellular processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the delivery of therapeutic agents to cells, enhancing treatment outcomes for various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of using cell-penetrating peptides is established, this specific approach to enhance cargo delivery is innovative and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcmurry, Jonathan L — Kennesaw State University
- Study coordinator: Mcmurry, Jonathan L
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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.