Rutgers Scientists Develop RNA Nanotechnology for Cancer Treatment

Researchers at Rutgers University–Newark have made a significant advancement in cancer treatment through the development of a groundbreaking RNA-based nanotechnology. This innovative approach allows for the self-assembly of RNA structures within living human cells, aiming to halt the spread of harmful cells. The findings, published on February 4, 2026, in the journal Nature Communications, provide new avenues for biomedical research and therapeutic applications.

Led by Professor Fei Zhang from the Department of Chemistry and Professor Jean-Pierre Etchegaray from the Department of Biological Sciences at Rutgers–Newark, the interdisciplinary team is currently testing this technology on human cancer cells. Although the study is ongoing and results have yet to be published, the initial outcomes are promising.

The self-assembling RNA nanostructures function as molecular tools that can be customized to target multiple detrimental genes and proteins at once. This versatility is crucial in tackling cancer, which often involves numerous malfunctioning genes working together. “We are providing a new design strategy for artificial RNA structures with programmable functions,” Zhang stated.

The technology harnesses the natural processes of cells. Every cell operates based on instructions encoded in DNA, with RNA serving as the messenger that conveys these instructions. Instead of introducing pre-synthesized molecules, the Rutgers team developed a method to provide a synthetic DNA template that enables the cells to generate their own RNA structures. These structures can be designed to fold into specific shapes and localize within the cell, thereby enhancing their functionality.

One of the key innovations of this research is the ability of the RNA components to behave like tiny Lego blocks, which find one another and snap together automatically. This self-assembly process allows for the creation of RNA structures with various geometries and functions. The researchers aim to program these structures to specifically recognize and target cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

The team has begun exploring the potential of this technology to disable cancer stem cells, which are known to initiate and propagate tumors while exhibiting therapeutic resistance. “We are trying to target oncogenes to disable cancer stem cells, preventing them from promoting tumor growth and metastasis,” Etchegaray explained.

Current RNA-based therapies generally focus on targeting one molecule at a time. In contrast, this new platform can interact with multiple targets simultaneously, marking a significant advancement in biotechnological applications. According to Zhang and Etchegaray, this capability could enhance existing RNA therapies.

The researchers have secured a provisional patent for their technology and are actively seeking investors, industry collaborators, and research partners to expedite its development, including clinical trials. “If we can attract diverse partners and interests, it will accelerate our progress,” Zhang remarked.

Beyond cancer, the researchers believe this customizable nanotechnology could be adapted to target other diseases caused by the misexpression of genes and proteins. The implications of this work represent a promising step forward in the quest for effective cancer therapies and other medical applications.

The detailed research can be accessed in the article titled “Designer RNA nanostructures co-transcribed and self-assembled inside human cell nuclei” by Xu Chang et al., published in Nature Communications (2025). The research highlights the innovative potential of RNA nanotechnology in treating complex diseases.