# Ligand-mediated, vehicle-free delivery of small RNAs

> **NIH NIH R01** · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $406,567

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as powerful regulators of the genome and, through concerted efforts to
identify their function and evaluate their ability to alter cell growth in vitro and in vivo, some have gained favor
as potential therapeutics. Although these miRNA-based approaches can revolutionize the way that tumors are
diagnosed and treated, the challenges that remain with regard to in vivo delivery of miRNAs must be tackled.
To address these challenges, we have pioneered a robust and efficient method for ligand-mediated delivery of
miRNAs (FolamiRs), which has removed the toxic delivery vehicle. In this application we propose to enhance
and characterize FolamiR targeting through facilitating intracellular endosomal-mediated release using the
small molecule ionophore nigericin conjugated onto the FolamiRs, and through characterizing an intercellular
bystander effect between folate receptor positive and folate receptor negative cells. To achieve these goals,
the following three Specific Aims are proposed: I. Facilitate endosomal release of FolamiRs through synthesis
of alternative Nig-FolamiR chemistries, II. Evaluate in vivo efficacy and safety of Nig-FolamiRs, and III.
Evaluate the mechanism involved in the observed bystander effect following FolamiR treatment.
 Our extensive preliminary evidence supports all three Aims. We show that the clinically relevant
miRNA, miRNA-34a (miR-34a) is selectively targeted to the tumor, enters the tumorigenic cells, downregulates
target genes, and prevents growth of tumors in vivo. Success is dependent on rapid tumor uptake that is
mediated by tagging miR-34a to a relevant ligand, in this case folate (FolamiR-34a). Indeed, the folate receptor
is specifically upregulated on various tumors including breast, lung, ovarian, kidney, and colon cancers, which
can facilitate tumor specific uptake of FolamiRs. Moreover, using a small molecule ionophore, nigericin, we
show that intracellular concentrations of FolamiRs can be enhanced due to endosomal release. The clinical
utility and safety profile of nigericin will be evaluated in vivo. Additional chemistries of nigericin-FolamiR
conjugates will be synthesized and evaluated, including inclusion of multiple nigericin molecules per FolamiR
to enhance endosomal swelling and rupture, and chemistries to prevent nonspecific release of nigericin from
FolamiRs in circulation. Finally, the mechanism involved in the intercellular bystander effect will be determined.
 Overall, this innovative delivery method has implications well beyond miRNA delivery. One could
imagine attaching any small RNA onto folate and achieving fast, and tumor-specific uptake. Similarly, the small
molecule ionophore being tested for endosomal mediated escape has the potential to positively impact many
therapeutics that are sequestered into the endosomes. Again, highlighting the broad, and powerful impact that
these innovative studies will have.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9895659
- **Project number:** 5R01CA226259-03
- **Recipient organization:** PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Andrea L Kasinski
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $406,567
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-04-01 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9895659

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9895659, Ligand-mediated, vehicle-free delivery of small RNAs (5R01CA226259-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9895659. Licensed CC0.

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