Title: Branching into RNAi
Speaker:
David Sabatino
Associate Professor
Carleton University
Description: Our research focuses on the synthetic short-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that silences the oncogenic mRNA expression of the Glucose Regulated Proteins (GRPs) leading to cancer cell death via the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. To potentiate siRNA activity, we have developed the branch and hyperbranch siRNAs that self-assemble into higher-ordered nanostructures that silenced multiple GRPs in synergy, thereby bolstering anti-cancer activity. We have also expanded the scope of synthetic siRNAs by chemical ligation of biologically active probes (fluorescent labels, lipid appendages, peptide and metal nanoparticles) for enhanced detection, uptake and RNAi activity in cancer cells. This presentation will serve to highlight the importance of synthetic siRNAs for the innovation of precision nanomedicines for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
www.oligotherapeutics.org/bra...