Rachel Norman

• BSc (Hons) Pharmacology
• Screening of siRNA formulations for potential leukaemia treatments

RUNX1/ETO is a fusion gene created by a translocation between chromosomes 8 and 21. It is found in 10-15% of acute myeloid leukaemia cases and it is necessary for the maintenance of the leukaemic cells. A siRNA that specifically targets and stops expression of this fusion gene has been found but getting it into the cells has proved problematic. The project involved using high throughput screens to find the most effective and least toxic formulation of a polymer nanoparticle that takes up the siRNA and transports it into leukaemia cells.

Funding Source: Newcastle University