Creating a new method to modify RNA for cancer treatment.
Official title: Development of A Directed Evolution Platform for RNA Methyltransferases.
Funded at Boston College · NIH-10918809 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special change in RNA, called m6A, influences cancer cells, especially in leukemia and breast cancer, to find better ways to treat these diseases by tweaking this change in RNA.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $217,388 |
| NIH project number | 1R61CA291202-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918809 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer, or other cancers where m6A modifications play a significant role.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not influenced by m6A modifications or those who are not eligible for experimental treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific chemical modification in RNA, known as m6A, affects the behavior of cancer cells, particularly in types like acute myeloid leukemia and breast cancer. The researchers aim to develop a platform that allows for precise modifications of m6A in specific RNA molecules, which could help clarify its role in cancer progression and drug resistance. By using advanced techniques, they hope to identify which RNA transcripts are crucial for cancer development and how modifying them could lead to better treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more targeted and effective treatments for various cancers by manipulating RNA modifications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating RNA modifications for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Huiqing — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Huiqing
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.