Human serum albumin nanoparticles for synergistic chemotherapy and oligonucleotide therapy against oncogenic lncRNAs in lung cancer

Lung cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed and most lethal cancer, making this disease a huge socio-economic challenge. Therefore, new effective therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are versatile molecules that influence crucial pathways in cancer progression. RP3-340N1.2 is a poorly investigated but highly overexpressed lncRNA in lung cancer, suggesting it plays a pivotal role in its progression. The fellow will investigate the role of RP3-340N1.2 in lung cancer and its application in targeted therapy.SyRNAlb aims to overcome the existing limitations of lung cancer therapy by developing clinically translatable human serum albumin-based nanoparticles (HSA NPs). HSA NPs will release therapeutic oligonucleotides and chemotherapeutics in cells to synergistically reduce the lung cancer burden whilst avoiding the development of drug resistance and detrimental side effects. SyRNAlb will support Horizon Europe's mission on cancer by increasing the knowledge in lung cancer biology, specifically by characterising the role of the oncogenic lncRNA RP3-340N1.2. Additionally, the fellow will address the Translational European Challenge by developing a cutting-edge therapy based on a novel, stable and scalable albumin nanoformulation that co-delivery chemotherapeutics and oligonucleotides against RP3-340N1.2.The knowledge generated in syRNAlb will expand our limited understanding of the role of RP3-340N1.2 in lung cancer progression and promote the development of an effective treatment. Furthermore, the expertise and tools generated can be customized for other diseases and other target lncRNAs.This ambitious multidisciplinary project will promote the candidate's career as a future leader by learning not only novel molecular and cellular biology techniques (in 2D and 3D cultures), nano-bioengineering and bioinformatic techniques, but also training in leadership and clinical transfer.