Creating artificial RNA structures to control and monitor cellular processes
Official title: Developing synthetic RNA organelles for spatiotemporal separation, control, and monitoring in living cells
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10951551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how to create special RNA structures that can help scientists control and monitor what happens inside living cells, which could lead to new ways to treat diseases and improve our understanding of how cells work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $382,801 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM155833-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951551 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve cellular dysfunction or require advanced therapeutic interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable conditions that do not involve cellular manipulation or dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing synthetic RNA organelles that can separate, control, and monitor activities within living cells. By utilizing engineered RNA instead of proteins, the project aims to create artificial condensates that can be programmed for specific interactions, allowing for precise manipulation of cellular functions. These RNA structures are designed to be low in toxicity and easily transferable across different organisms, potentially leading to innovative applications in cellular biology and medicine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new methods for controlling cellular processes, which may improve treatments for various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of using RNA for cellular applications is emerging, this specific approach of creating artificial RNA organelles is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Franco, Elisa — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Franco, Elisa
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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.