Translational Medicine

Developed multiple syngeneic tumor models for the discovery of novel IO targetsIntegrated bioinformatic tools for in vivo drug screening and target validationAssessed PK/PD correlation, biomarkers, and mechanism of actions of novel targets

• Developed antibody conjugated nanomedicine targeting brain tumors and metastasis.• Studied and induced proliferation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes with antibody nanoconjugates for treatment of glioblastoma.• Investigated the role of CK2 in Akt, Wnt, and MEK pathways of GBM cell lines.

:: Developed histidine-lysine (HK) peptide carriers for siRNA (Raf-1) delivery targeting melanoma and breast cancer ::• Designed ligand conjugated (cRGD) and sterically stabilized (PEG) HK peptide carriers• Optimized formulation of biopolymers and siRNA to promote controlled release and therapeutic activity • Investigated oncogenic pathway signatures and synergistic tumor suppression combining siRNA and Docetaxel • Analyzed pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of HK/siRNA nanoparticles with IVIS imaging• Assessed degradation pathways and improved stability of HK/siRNA nanoparticles by disulfide cross-linking• Evaluated toxicity and immune response of mice after systemic administration of HK/siRNA nanoparticles

:: Characterized biophysical properties of biomaterial/siRNA nanoparticles ::• Collaborated with 3 PIs and 6 RAs to study HK peptide siRNA intermolecular forces and structural features critical to gene delivery in animal models• Monitored dynamic peptide/siRNA binding, particle size, surface charge, structural change and morphology• Determined intermolecular forces between peptide and siRNA with nuclear magnetic resonance• Identified thermodynamic profiles of HK siRNA binding with isothermal titration calorimetry• Established an evidence-based approach for the evaluation of siRNA carriers