Targeted and traceable delivery of siRNA with nanoparticle-amphipol

沉默RNA （siRNA）目前在生物学研究中引起了相当大的兴趣，因为它可以引发任何mRNA的有效靶向特异性敲低，从而创造了一种有用且经过验证的遗传替代工具。然而，有效应用该技术的一个关键问题是对目标细胞的特异性递送。该项目的目标是开发新一代的纳米载体，以有效地递送siRNA基于我们最近发现的纳米颗粒-双酚类复合物。在两年的项目期间，我们将系统地研究纳米颗粒的化学和结构特性及其对siRNA在细胞中的传递的影响。我们将重点关注荧光量子点作为一种发现工具。如果成功，这项工作将有助于开发用于特定癌症治疗的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.