Research Projects

The research aims to synthesize a multifunctional cationic polymer for the delivery of miRNA in cancer. The polymer, containing cholesterol, has shown efficient complexation with miRNA, forming nanocomplexes and enabling its endosomal escape. The polymer was successfully used to deliver miRNA-34a in breast cancer cells and induce enhanced apoptosis. The collaboration between the Indian and Japanese PI labs is complementary, as the Japanese lab has in-depth knowledge and technical know-how on miRNA-3140 efficacy in in vitro and in vivo animal models and clinical trials. The collaboration could result in a breakthrough therapeutic intervention for malignant mesothelioma, a rare but highly aggressive tumor arising from the serosal outer linings of the lungs pleurae, heart, abdomen, and testes. The polymer's structure, composition, and molecular weight will be characterized by 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The polymer will be complexed with miRNA to form nanoplexes, and the cytotoxicity and IC50 of the nanoplexes will be evaluated in cell culture-based assays. The in vivo evaluation will be conducted using the orthotropic syngeneic model developed by Prof. Tahara's lab.