The University of Tokyo · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
Professor Hyun Jin Kim's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced nanocarriers for nucleic acid-based therapeutics, with a primary focus on siRNA and mRNA delivery for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The lab pioneers stimuli-responsive, smart polymeric and hybrid nanostructures—particularly pH- and redox-responsive systems—engineered for enhanced tumor targeting, endosomal escape, and biocompatibility. Key innovations include size-controlled, reversible nanoassemblies and polyplex systems that optimize pharmacokinetics and cellular delivery efficiency.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
For systemic siRNA delivery into tumor tissues, a safe and efficient vehicle is strongly required. Therefore, we designed a block copolymer of detachable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polycation bearing low pKa amines and hydrophobic moieties in the side chain to develop a smart siRNA complex possessing biocompatibility, high complex stability, and endosomal escaping functionality. A disulfide linkage (-SS-) was inserted as a linker between PEG and a cationic polyaspartamide derivative, poly{N-[N-
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) drugs have been considered to treat various diseases in major organs. However, siRNA drugs developed for cancer therapy are hindered from proceeding to the clinic. To date, various delivery formulations have been developed from cationic lipids, polymers, and/or inorganic nanoparticles for systemic siRNA delivery to solid tumors. Most of these delivery vehicles do not generate small particle sizes and pharmacokinetics required for accumulation in target cancer cells
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