2019 Mentored Investigator Grant Recipient — Guy Katz, MD, PhD
Project Summary
This project proposes a novel treatment approach in OC. Having previously identified miR-517 as a key regulator of OC, we now aim to test the pre-clinical potential of this strategy and potentially uncover new molecular circuits involved in OC.
MicroRNA (miRNAs) are small molecules, residing in our cells, which regulate gene expression and cell activity in both health and disease, including cancer. Accordingly, numerous studies have shown that active modulation of miRNA levels in cancer cells can affect cancer growth and progression. For instance, by introducing certain types of miRNA, researchers can halt the growth and progression of OC.
Nonetheless, it is extremely hard to deliver miRNAs into cancer cells, since these molecules possess a negative electrical charge, making it difficult for them to penetrate cell membranes.
Previous studies in our lab have suggested that this can be overcome by using nanoparticles (NP), into which the miRNAs can be inserted. These particles are sphere-shaped structures, designed to be recognized by human cells as particles that need to be inserted into the cells. This way, it is possible to administer miRNAs into any cell, including cancer cells.
The objective of this project is to determine the therapeutic potential of NP-delivered miR-517 in OC. We believe that selective delivery of miR-517 via NP is an effective treatment for OC.