Formulation of messenger RNA for Intracellular Delivery and Expression

The project aims to improve the stability and cell entry properties of messenger RNAs, which encode functional proteins. mRNAs are natural biomolecules that may become extremely valuable in healthcare if cell delivery properties can be improved. Delivery is a challenge because these biomolecules are generally too large to enter cells easily where many of the best targets for disease control reside. The approach involves biophysics and cell/molecular biology analyses. The outcome will be a formulation protocol that improves the intracellular activities of mRNAs for downstream applications as RNA vaccines and mRNA drugs. By combining mRNA with improved delivery, the project will enable protein expression inside cells using the minimal genetic element.