Andrew G Jakymiw

Andrew G Jakymiw is an Associate Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), affiliated with the College of Dental Medicine and the Department of Biomedical & Community Health Sciences. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from the University of Calgary and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Florida. His research focuses on cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)-mediated delivery of nucleic acid-based therapeutics for cancer, age-related macular degeneration, and organ transplantation. Dr. Jakymiw has received notable awards including the NIH Pathway to Independence Award and Bankhead-Coley New Investigator Grant. His work spans RNA interference mechanisms, miRNA delivery strategies, and peptide carrier design. He maintains an adjunct role at Clemson University's Bioengineering Department and has collaborated on studies involving siRNA delivery systems and cancer therapy advancements.

Education:

• PhD, University of Calgary, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
• Postdoctoral Training, University of Florida, Department of Oral Biology

Research Interests: Development of CPP-based delivery systems for nucleic acid drugs, mechanisms of peptide-mediated cellular entry, and translational applications in cancer and AMD. His lab explores enhancing siRNA stability, targeting efficiency, and overcoming biological barriers for clinical translation.

Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes peptide carrier optimization (e.g., stereochemical modifications for enhanced gene silencing), mitochondrial DNA delivery, and miRNA therapeutic strategies. Earlier studies include foundational research on GW bodies, RNA interference pathways, and Golgi protein autoantibodies.

Awards:

• Canadian Institutes of Health Research Studentship (1997–2002)
• Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Awards (2001–2003)
• American Society for Cell Biology Travel Award (2005)
• NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (2008–2014)

Grants & Collaborations: Active grants include support from NIH (e.g., R21 DE027231), NIDCR, and Hollings Cancer Center. Collaborative projects involve Clemson University and industry partners in nanomedicine and drug delivery. His research bridges basic science (RNA biology) with translational goals, including clinical trials for targeted therapies.

Labs & Teams: Leads the Jakymiw Lab at MUSC, focusing on nucleic acid delivery systems. Collaborates with Hollings Cancer Center and interdisciplinary teams in bioengineering and molecular biology.