TIGRs: Targeted image-guided RNA therapies

Biochemistry Division Seminar Series

Dr. Giangrande 's research interests include developing RNA-based therapeutics to modulate cellular pathways underlying pathological cell proliferation in the setting of cancer and cardiovascular disease.  One area of Dr. Giangrande’s lab focuses on selecting RNA aptamers to receptors expressed on the surface of target-cells with SELEX (Systemic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment) for the purpose of 1) modulating receptor function and/or 2) delivering therapeutic molecules (e.g. siRNAs, antagomirs, drugs) into specific cell types.  A second interest of the Giangrande lab is to use genomic/proteomic methodologies to acquire important insights into the mechanisms of pathological cell proliferation.  In addition to providing useful mechanistic information, this knowledge will be used to identify novel membrane proteins that can be targeted with therapeutic RNAs for treating cancer or pathological vascular hyperplasia.

For more information contact Prof. M. G. Finn (404-894-0591)