As we transition to the CCR Nanobiology Program, we are planning and designing experiments on the lipid-based nanocapsules and nano fusion machines. We believe that our knowledge and skills in elucidating mechanisms of viral entry will be of benefit to find new ways to deliver anti-cancer drugs. The anticipated projects include design and study of multifunctional liposomes bearing drugs (e.g. toxic or anti-inflammatory substances), conjugated with a disease-specific targeting agent (e.g. antibodies), and labeled with imaging agents. We plan to use external sources of energy (X-rays, light, microwave, ultrasound) for controlled disruption of liposomes at the optimal time and within a limited volume. The liposomes will be protected by polymers or polymerized lipids and modified to allow controlled disruption. We plan to exploit a new class of fusion-associated small transmembrane (FAST) proteins to build nano fusion machines that will directly deliver their cargo to the cells' cytoplasm.
| Lee, Jae-Ho; Oh, Hyuntaek; Baxa, Ulrich et al. (2012) Biopolymer-connected liposome networks as injectable biomaterials capable of sustained local drug delivery. Biomacromolecules 13:3388-94 |
| Kang, Ji-Hye; Garg, Himanshu; Sigano, Dina M et al. (2009) Ceramides: branched alkyl chains in the sphingolipid siblings of diacylglycerol improve biological potency. Bioorg Med Chem 17:1498-505 |
| Yavlovich, Amichai; Singh, Alok; Tarasov, Sergey et al. (2009) DESIGN OF LIPOSOMES CONTAINING PHOTOPOLYMERIZABLE PHOSPHOLIPIDS FOR TRIGGERED RELEASE OF CONTENTS. J Therm Anal Calorim 98:97-104 |
| Garg, H; Blumenthal, R (2008) Role of HIV Gp41 mediated fusion/hemifusion in bystander apoptosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 65:3134-44 |
| Jacobs, Amy; Garg, Himanshu; Viard, Mathias et al. (2008) HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein-mediated fusion and pathogenesis: implications for therapy and vaccine development. Vaccine 26:3026-35 |
