MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules critical to gene expression. Researchers are creating artificial miRNAs capable of binding to, and silencing, genes associated with cancer. Delivering such miRNAs to their target is another challenge. This image shows self-assembled nanoparticles (in red) carrying miRNAs to an aggressive breast tumor in a mouse model and sticking to the tumor target with the help of an adhesive glue.
This image was originally submitted as part of the 2016 NCI Cancer Close Up project and selected for exhibit.
This image is part of the NCI Cancer Close Up 2016 collection.
See also visualsonline.cancer.gov/closeup2016.