Research

A new LNPs (30-n-LNPs) formulation with increasing phospholipids is investigated as a possible mRNA delivery system for treating Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Compared to LNPs with benchmark composition (b-LNPs), n-LNPs containing 30% distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC) are well tolerated following intravenous administration and display natural targeting toward the inflamed colon in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-colitis bearing mice, while de-targeting clearing organs such as

Messenger RNA (mRNA) lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines have emerged as an effective vaccination strategy. Although currently applied toward viral pathogens, data concerning the platform’s effectiveness against bacterial pathogens are limited. Here, we developed an effective mRNA-LNP vaccine against a lethal bacterial pathogen by optimizing mRNA payload guanine and cytosine content and antigen design. We designed a nucleoside-modified mRNA-LNP vaccine based on the bacterial F1

RNA therapeutics is an emerging field explored in various types of diseases such as genetic disorders, cancer, inflammation and viral infections. Currently, most of the research focuses on the delivery of mRNA molecules that will transiently express a certain protein that can replace a defective protein or manipulate gene expression in the cells. My lab was the first to show systemic, cell-specific delivery of mRNA molecules in animals. Our approach was translated to several

We use a conformation-sensitive targeting strategy to achieve in vivo gene silencing in a selective subset of leukocytes and show potential therapeutic applications in a murine model of colitis. In particular, by targeting the high-affinity conformation of α4β7 integrin, which is a hallmark of inflammatory gut-homing leukocytes, we silenced interferon-γ in the gut, resulting in an improved therapeutic outcome in experimental colitis. The lipid nanoparticles did not induce adv

Genome editing approaches such as CRISPR/Cas9 system is routinely used to permanently and precisely disrupt potentially any gene of interest. Yet the efficiency of gene editing is still low. Recently we developed a safe and efficient lipid-nanoparticle (LNP) for the delivery of Cas9 mRNA and sgRNAs that utilize our novel amino-ionizable lipid for high-efficiency therapeutic genome editing in aggressive cancer. We plan to expand this line of research to other types of diseases

RNA vaccines work by introducing an mRNA sequence, which is coded for a disease-specific antigen. This antigen is recognized by the immune system and starts an immune (cellular and humoral) response. Our lab is being involved in developing different types of mRNA vaccines for outbreaks such as Coronaviruses and sessional flu utilizing our novel, fully degradable amino ionizable lipids. Uri Elia et al (2021) Design of SARS-CoV2 hFc-Conjugated Receptor-Binding Domain mRNA Vac

We are harnessing RNA payloads (RNAi, mRNA, saRNA, and cirRNA) as in vivo tools for drug discovery. Nucleic acids loaded lipid nanoparticles have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for various malignancies, rare genetic diseases, and inflammation. We aim to utilize RNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles to identify in vivo (in their biological environment) new potential drug targets that could be then applied to therapeutics in various malignancies, including head & neck ca

This research was initiated in order to manipulate adult stem cells in vivo using nucleic acids-based targeted therapeutics.

This research aims to develop novel nucleic acids-based therapeutics for hematological malignancies.

The focus of this research is to design novel neurotrophic virus inspired nanotherapeutics to deliver nucleic acids into the CNS. We aim to utilize such therapeutic modality and develop new remedies for neurodevelopmental disorders.

We aspire to utilize oligonucleotides loaded LNPs for in vivo reprograming of leukocytes and thus to design novel immunomodulatory therapeutic approaches for autoimmune disorders and cancer.

The goal of this project is to explore resistance pathways of cancer cells and translate the acquired knowledge by designing novel RNAi-based nanotherapeutics.

We aim to utilize RNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles in order to design new therapeutic modalities for various malignancies, including head & neck cancer, glioblastoma and breast cancer.

We aim to design novel platforms for a selective delivery of therapeutic payload to specific target cells, thus increasing the efficiency and reducing adverse effects.

This research aims to broaden the nanotechnology toolbox by designing new, highly efficient, methodologies for nucleic acids delivery.

LeukoTheranostics – Harnessing targeted nanotheranostics to reprogram activated leukocytes in inflammatory bowel disease.