Long-standing interest and expertise in oligonucleotide and RNA drug delivery systems, with a particular focus on RNA delivery and trafficking via extracellular vesicles (EVs) and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). A diverse research background in various scientific areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, metabolic and genetic diseases, covering cellular and molecular biology/ biochemistry, cellular engineering, RNA and protein trafficking, and gene therapy technologies. 

Dr. Nawaz completed his PhD studies at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil (2017), where he investigated the role of microRNAs and EVs in the malignant progression of gliomas. He also had one year PhD exchange at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, followed by a 4-years' postdoc, and then 2-years' Forskare (Senior Researcher) position. 

During his 7 years’ stay at the University of Gothenburg he investigated numerous aspects of RNA transport via EVs. He worked with various projects in collaboration with AstraZeneca where the focus of his research has been the loading and delivery of therapeutic RNAs to cells and tissues via EVs and LNPs. He contributed new methods and tools of loading of therapeutic RNAs into EVs and delivery to target cells and tissues, which have been published in top tier peer reviewed international journals (e.g, here and here). He has also been involved in the consortium of “Industrial Research Centre (IRC) for functional RNA delivery — FormulaEx” established between different Universities and Biotech companies in Sweden.

In 2023, he moved to University of Salzburg, resuming a role as senior scientist, where he leads one of the subteams under the umbrella of Nicole Lab. Current focus of his research deals with delivery and transport of therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides to cells and investigating their trafficking and associated RNA-editing mechanisms, in collaboration with an industry partner.  

Dr. Nawaz also participates in teaching and supervision and serves as editor and reviewer for various scientific journals.

Works presented: here and here 

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Key Publications

1. Targeted delivery of mRNA to the heart via extracellular vesicles or lipid nanoparticles. Nawaz, M., et al, 2025. BioRxiv.

2. Lipid Nanoparticles Deliver the Therapeutic VEGFA mRNA In Vitro and In Vivo and Transform Extracellular Vesicles for Their Functional Extensions. Nawaz, M., et al, 2023. Advanced Science. 

3. Linkage between endosomal escape of LNP-mRNA and loading into EVs for transport to other cells. Maugeri, M., Nawaz, M., Papadimitriou A., et al. 2019. Nature Communications. 

4. Long Distance Metabolic Regulation through Adipose-Derived Circulating Exosomal miRNAs: A Trail for RNA-Based Therapies. Fatima, F. & Nawaz, M^*., 2017, Frontiers in Physiology.

5. Extracellular Vesicles: Evolving Factors in Stem Cell Biology. Stem Cells International. Nawaz, M., et al, 2016. 1286095. 

6. The emerging role of extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for urogenital cancers. Nawaz, M., et al., 2014. Nature Reviews Urology. 

Full list of publications

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ResearcherID: Web of Science