Debora Mazzetti, MS, on Multitargeting MicroRNA in Glioblastoma

“The idea is to create in a translational point of view, a platform that could apply to different tumor targeting, specifically the different microRNAs that are down regulated and upregulated in those tumors. So, in our case, we are trying to upregulate 3 of the main downregulated microRNA in the gliblastoma, and at the same time trying to decrease the oncomirs like oncomir 21, and other proteins that are related to the progression of tumors.”

RNA interference may hold potential for tumor multitargeting. New research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital is exploring improving the efficacy and ease of use of RNA interference by developing noncoding, RNA constructs. These constructs can be fit with multiple microRNAs, microRNA sponges and RNA aptamers, each with specific targeting functions.

Feasibility data on the RNA constructs in were presented at the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) 27th Annual Meeting, held May 7 to 10, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland, by Debora Mazzetti, MS, research trainee at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

CGTLive® spoke with Mazzetti to learn more about the potential of RNA constructs in oncological targeting. She shared how she joined the lab of Pier Paolo Peruzzi, MD, PhD at Harvard and discussed their goal of multitargeting downregulated microRNAs in glioblastoma (GBM). She also spoke about further research that the lab is planning to pursue, including improving the RNA constructs to be able to add more targets and target more pathways in GBM.

Click here to read more coverage of the 2024 ASGCT Meeting.

REFERENCE

Mazzetti D, Mineo M, Gaiaschi L, et al. Engineering of a Nucleic Acid Platform to Augment RNA Mediated Therapy. Presented at: ASGCT 27th Annual Meeting, May 7-10; Baltimore, Maryland. Abstract #443