Targeted and traceable delivery of siRNA with nanoparticle-amphipol

沉默RNA(SiRNA)是目前生物学研究中的热点，因为它可以诱导有效的、靶向特异性的任何mRNA的敲除，创造出一种有用的和经过验证的遗传替代工具。然而，有效应用这项技术的一个关键问题是对靶细胞的特异性递送。该项目的目标是基于我们最近在纳米颗粒-两酚复合体方面的发现，开发新一代纳米载体，用于高效地传递siRNA。在两年的项目期内，我们将系统地研究纳米颗粒的化学和结构特性以及它们对siRNA在细胞中传递的影响。我们将重点介绍荧光量子点作为一种发现工具。如果成功，这项拟议的工作将有助于开发用于癌症特定治疗的siRNA载体。

Silencing RNA (siRNA) is of considerable current interest in biological research because it can elicit potent, target specific knockdown of any mRNA, creating a useful and proven genetic surrogate tool. However, a key problem for effective application of this technology is specific delivery to targeted cells. The goal of this project is to develop a new generation of nanocarriers for efficient delivery of siRNA based on our recent discovery on nanoparticle-amphipol complexes. In the two year project period, we will systematically examine the chemical and structural properties of nanoparticles and their effects on siRNA delivery in cells. We will focus on fluorescent quantum dots as a discovery tool. If successful, the proposed work will aid in development of siRNA carriers for specific treatment of cancer.