Creating safer and longer-lasting mRNA therapies using engineered bacteria
Official title: Engineering bacterial group I introns for efficient production of safe and durable nucleoside-modified circular mRNA therapeutics
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11070783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to create safer and more effective mRNA treatments for various diseases, which could lead to therapies that last longer in your body and have fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $33,780 |
| NIH project number | 1F31GM157877-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that could be treated with mRNA therapeutics, such as genetic disorders or certain cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have conditions that can be addressed by mRNA therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new methods to produce circular messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that are modified to be safer and more effective as therapeutics. By using a specific bacterial intron from Azoarcus, the team aims to enhance the stability and longevity of these mRNAs, which are crucial for treating various diseases. The study will explore how certain chemical modifications to the mRNA affect its ability to be circularized, which is essential for its therapeutic efficacy. Patients may benefit from improved mRNA therapies that have fewer side effects and longer-lasting effects in the body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer mRNA-based treatments for a variety of diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using modified mRNAs for therapeutic purposes, but this specific approach using engineered bacterial introns is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Felix Mejia, Alejandro — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Felix Mejia, Alejandro
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding HIV-1 Env shapes to boost immune attack against infected cells
Aimed at helping people living with HIV, this project explores how specific HIV-1 envelope structures attract or resist immune attack so future therapies could better help the body clear hidden virus.
-
Reprogramming metabolism to power alternative fat-burning modes
A new project will explore how fat cells burn calories in different ways to help combat obesity.
-
Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.
-
Gut microbes and brain function in autism
Researchers are exploring how gut bacteria may influence brain signals and behavior in autism, using worm models to uncover possible links that could someday inform human therapies.
-
Chlamydia and gonorrhea interaction: how host interferons influence co-infection
A human-health focused project looks at how the body’s interferon signals during chlamydia infection affect the way gonorrhea behaves, with potential implications for people vulnerable to both infections.
-
Conquering High Blood Pressure in Vietnamese Cities
A program to adapt and test a proven plan for lowering high blood pressure in urban Vietnam using a mobile health platform and integrated care approach.
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.