Molecular Transfer and Therapy

Molecular Transfer and Therapy

The Molecular Transfer and Therapy research group led by Dr. Elizabeth Rosado Balmayor focuses on developing innovative technologies to efficiently deliver genes, transcripts and other biomolecules inside cells. Our group is interested in the combination of complex, multiphasic biomaterials and morphogens to better target specific cell populations. The ultimate goal is to guide cellular differentiation towards pathways promoting musculoskeletal homeostasis and regeneration.

Our main research interests include 1) development of novel particulate systems, dendrimers, lipids and micelles for non-viral gene and transcript delivery, 2) development of gene- and transcript-activated matrices (GAMs and TAMs) and 3) fabrication of 3D multiphasic scaffolds that mimic native tissue interfaces and their functionalization and incorporation of biomolecules. Our group has a strong background in nano-/micro-particle fabrication, functionalization and biomolecule loading. We also develop magnetic and superparamagnetic systems for specific cell separation and cell target applications. Dendrimers and lipid systems have been extensively used by our group as well.

We directly test our gene- and transcript-activated materials for cell internalization, efficient transfection and protein production. Our group has developed several ex vivo models for gene and transcript transfer for more translational investigation. In vivo, we have optimized several rodent models for gene and transcript delivery to bone, tendon and bone-to-tendon interface.

If you are interested in reading more on RNA therapeutics in tissue engineering, have a look at this special focus issue on "RNA Therapeutics for Tissue Engineering" (guest editors: Elizabeth R. Balmayor and Christopher H. Evans).

Main collaborations

• Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA – Prof. C. H. Evans
• TU Munich, Munich, Germany – Prof. C. Plank
• University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal – Dr. I. Pashkuleva; Dr. R. A. Pires; Dr. I. B. Leonor; Prof. M. E. Gomes; Prof. R. L. Reis
• University of Havana, Havana, Cuba – Dr. L. Morejon; Dr. J. A. Delgado; Dr. A. Almirall
• University of Trento, Trento, Italy – Prof. A. Motta; Prof. C. Migliaresi
• University of Pennsylvania & Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA – A. Prof. R. Gottardi
• Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany – Dr. P. S. P. Poh
• University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia – Dr. I. Roohani
• Institute of Polymer Science and Technology ICTP, CSIC, CIBER-BBN, Madrid, Spain – Dr. M. R. Aguilar; Prof. J. San Román

Funding sources

U.S. National Institutes of Health – NIH
Use of Chemically Modified RNA to Enhance Bone Healing
September 1, 2019 - August 31, 2024, Mayo clinic, USA

European Union - Horizon 2020
cmRNAbone – 3D Printed-Matrix Assisted Chemically Modified RNAs Bone Regenerative Therapy for Trauma and Osteoporotic Patients 
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023