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The amazing travels of small RNAs

A recent study published in Nature Plants reveals that short double-stranded small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are the primary messengers responsible for RNA interference in plants. These siRNAs can travel vast distances, enabling plants to modulate gene expression at a distance and adapt to their environment through phenotypic plasticity.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 28, 2020

High-tech gel aids delivery of drugs

Researchers have developed a hydrogel-based carrier that can deliver siRNAs directly to tumors, overcoming the challenge of rapid degradation and limited cellular entry. This innovative technology has the potential to improve the effectiveness of siRNA-based cancer treatments and enable more efficient delivery of biologics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 28, 2019

New nanomedicine slips through the cracks

Researchers have created a new nanomachine that can deliver specific drugs to parts of the body with tight access barriers, such as pancreatic cancer and brain tumors. The Y-shaped block catiomer is less than one-fifth the size of previous nanoparticles, allowing it to pass through smaller gaps.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2019

New method stabilizes siRNAs without affecting gene silencing activity

Researchers have developed a new method to stabilize small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) by introducing phosphoramidate modifications, which enhances their stability and therapeutic potential. The study shows that the modified siRNAs maintain their gene silencing activity, making them suitable for various therapeutic applications.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateJan 9, 2018

More potent, inexpensive gene silencing agents described in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics

Researchers have developed single-stranded silencing RNAs (ss-siRNAs) with improved potency and activity, using inexpensive chemical modification to enhance their therapeutic potential. The study's findings have the potential to democratize gene therapy research, enabling more researchers to explore new treatments.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateMay 12, 2016

Novel nanoparticle therapy promotes wound healing

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine developed a nanoparticle therapy that reduces fidgetin-like 2 enzyme levels to promote wound healing. The treatment accelerated healing in mice with skin excisions or burns by over twice as much as untreated controls, showing promise for faster recovery from various types of wounds.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateMar 26, 2015

Colorful nano-guides to the liver

Researchers create dye-functionalized nanoparticles that selectively deliver siRNA to liver cells, reducing cholesterol production and offering new hope for personalized therapy approaches. The method uses near-infrared fluorescent dyes as address labels and tracking numbers, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of the transport process.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2014

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for June 2, 2014

Researchers discover that mucin concentration in cystic fibrosis airway secretions contributes to decreased mucus clearance and promotes lung infection and inflammation. Meanwhile, an aptamer-based strategy delivers a specific siRNA to tumor cells and Tregs, reducing STAT3 expression and promoting anti-tumor responses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 2, 2014

Enhancing RNA interference

A new study from MIT sheds light on the nanoparticles' fate, suggesting ways to maximize delivery of short interfering RNA (siRNA) for gene silencing. The researchers found that a protein called Niemann Pick type C1 (NPC1) is crucial for nanoparticle recycling, and disabling it can increase siRNA delivery efficiency.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 24, 2013

Precise and persistent cell sabotage

The researchers successfully packaged siRNA in a hydrogel complex that can be injected into target tissues, allowing for prolonged control over cell behavior. The technology has the potential to guide stem cells to grow into desired cell types, starve tumors by blocking blood vessel growth, and induce cancer cell death.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateAug 27, 2012

Stopping HIV transmission with a molecular barrier

Researchers have developed a novel, topically-applied molecular microbicide that uses RNA interference (RNAi) to prevent HIV transmission. The microbicide was tested in mice and found to provide long-lasting protection against HIV infection, opening the door to developing an intravaginal microbicide for women's protection.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 16, 2011

4-in-1

Researchers have developed a four-in-one agent that can detect, target, and disable tumor cells while also making them visible through MRI and microscopic imaging. The agent uses siRNAs to suppress specific genes in cancer cells, providing a new approach to targeted gene suppression in cancer treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 7, 2009

Nanotechnology holds promise for STD drug delivery

Researchers at Yale University have developed a novel approach to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules using biodegradable nanoparticles, achieving sustained release and effective knockdown of gene activity. This breakthrough holds promise for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), particularly HPV and HIV.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 3, 2009

Ambati study published in PNAS

A new study by Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati and colleagues found that the siRNA treatment is toxic to both blood and lymphatic endothelial cells, with potential applications in cornea transplantation and treatment of lymphatic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2009