Creating new tools to visualize RNA in living cells
Official title: Development of new tags for RNA visualization
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10980842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new tools to help scientists see RNA in living cells, which is important for understanding how our bodies work, and it aims to make it easier to track RNA's activities in real-time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $350,635 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM152459-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980842 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions linked to RNA dysfunction, such as certain genetic disorders or cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to RNA biology or those who do not have access to advanced imaging technologies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative fluorescent tags specifically designed for RNA visualization, which is crucial for understanding various biological processes. The project aims to create non-G-quadruplex-forming aptamers that can be used in live-cell imaging, allowing researchers to observe RNA interactions in real-time. By overcoming the limitations of existing imaging tools, this research seeks to enhance our ability to study RNA's diverse roles in cellular functions and processes. The ultimate goal is to enable whole-organism RNA imaging, which could provide insights into complex biological systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve our understanding of RNA functions and interactions, leading to advancements in treatments for diseases related to RNA dysregulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using fluorescent aptamers for RNA visualization in simpler systems, but this approach is novel in the context of complex eukaryotic organisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Engelhart, Aaron E. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Engelhart, Aaron E.
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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.