# Developing Nanomaterial Platform for Intra-Cartilage Delivery of RNA Therapeutics against Joint Diseases

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STORRS · 2021 · $160,541

## Abstract

Project Abstract
The proposed work supports Dr. Yupeng Chen's NIH-funded R01AR07207 with innovative analytical and
computational tools to demonstrate the effectiveness of his new technique for advancing post traumatic
osteoarthritis (PTOA) treatment by inhibiting cartilage degeneration. Dr. Chen's work is aimed at the
development of a non-covalent Janus-base non-delivery vehicle, Nanopiece (NP), to stop cartilage degeneration
by introducing therapeutic small interfering RNA (siRNA) into the cartilage matrix. While siRNA has been shown
to be effective in mitigating cartilage degeneration, introducing the negatively charged therapeutic siRNA into
the negatively charged cartilage matrix without getting cleared from the cartilage matrix are two significant
challenges. Therefore, Dr. Chen has devised an approach that will overcome these challenges by 1) determining
the optimal dimensions of NPs to penetrate the cartilage, 2) formulating surface properties of NPs that bind
cartilage matrix for tissue retention, and 3) evaluating the therapeutic ability of the NPs to inhibit PTOA
progression in the destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM) model. The proposed supporting analyses will serve
to utilize gait analysis and computational modeling to evaluate how the therapeutic siRNA delivered via NP alters
knee loading. Therefore, the following aims are designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapeutic siRNA
delivered via NP on reducing knee loading.
Aim 1: Develop Validated Three-Dimensional Mouse Simulations
Aim 2: Evaluate Gait Changes in Mice With/Without NP Delivered siRNA Treatment
Aim 3: Identify Correlations Between Animal and Human Gait Models to Assess Treatment Outcomes
The results of this work will support the parent grant by demonstrating the effectiveness of the NP delivered
siRNA treatment in inhibiting PTOA progression. Furthermore, through this work I will be mentored by Dr. Chen
to learn how to conduct translational research. As an African American female biomedical engineer, this
collaboration between myself and Dr. Chen aligns with the NIH efforts to promote the advancement of
underrepresented minorities in science. Together, this collaborative work has the potential to transform how we
treat and evaluate PTOA and it would not be possible without this opportunity that encourages partnerships
between individuals from diverse backgrounds.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10375219
- **Project number:** 3R01AR072027-05S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STORRS
- **Principal Investigator:** Yupeng Chen
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $160,541
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2019-05-01 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10375219

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10375219, Developing Nanomaterial Platform for Intra-Cartilage Delivery of RNA Therapeutics against Joint Diseases (3R01AR072027-05S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10375219. Licensed CC0.

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