Amanda Portis
portisam(at)msu.edu
PI:
Christina Chan & S. Patrick Walton
Lab:
517-432-1003
Michigan State University
2125 Engineering Building
East Lansing, MI 48824
Hometown:
Kalamazoo, MI
Undergraduate Institution:
Tri-State (Trine) University
B.S. Chemical Engineering (2004)
Previous Employer:
Pfizer (2004-2007), Manufacturing and Cleaning Validation Engineer
Project title:
Targeted Polymeric Nanoparticles for Use in Gene Silencing Applications
Project Description:
Clinical applications of genetic therapies, including delivery of short, interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for RNA interference (RNAi), are limited due to the difficulty of delivering nucleic acids to specific cells of interest while at the same time minimizing toxicity and immunogenicity. The use of cationic polymers to deliver nucleic acid therapeutics has the potential to address these complex issues but is currently limited by low delivery efficiencies. While cell culture studies have shown that some polymers can be used to deliver siRNAs and achieve silencing, it is still not clear what physical or chemical properties are needed to ensure that the polymers form active polymer-siRNA complexes.
Our work involves the design and modification of novel propargyl glycolide polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) to successfully deliver siRNA to cells of interest. These NPs have exceptionally low cytotoxicity and can be easily modified, making them good candidates for further study. Through structure, complex formation, and delivery comparisons with other successful cationic delivery vehicles, we hope to optimize our NP delivery profiles and, in turn, achieve efficient silencing.
Research Interests:
Drug delivery, siRNA transfection, polymeric nanoparticle design and characterization
Personal Interests:
Photography, running, baseball, backpacking, MSU basketball