Developing advanced techniques to analyze RNA modifications
Official title: Development of Next-Generation Mass Spectrometry-based de novo RNA Sequencing for all Modifications
Funded at State University of New York at Albany · NIH-11012884 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to analyze RNA, which could help us better understand how changes in RNA are linked to diseases like breast cancer, type-2 diabetes, and obesity, ultimately benefiting patients by providing more insights into their conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Albany NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $660,378 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HG012853-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012884 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by diseases such as breast cancer, type-2 diabetes, or obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to RNA modifications may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new mass spectrometry method to accurately sequence RNA and identify all its modifications. By addressing the limitations of current technologies, this project aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of RNA sequences, which is crucial for understanding various diseases. Patients may benefit from insights gained about RNA modifications related to conditions like breast cancer, type-2 diabetes, and obesity. The approach involves advanced analytical techniques to ensure that all modifications are detected and characterized.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for diseases linked to RNA modifications.
How similar studies have gone: While mass spectrometry has been used in related fields, this specific approach to RNA modifications is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Albany
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Shenglong — State University of New York at Albany
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Shenglong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cross-disease small molecule therapy for CAG expansion spinocerebellar ataxias
A new NIH grant is exploring whether existing and natural small molecules can lower harmful CAG RNA and proteins across several spinocerebellar ataxias to help people with these conditions.
-
New small molecule therapeutics to help myotonic dystrophy
A new NIH-funded project tests specially designed small molecules to lower harmful RNA activity in myotonic dystrophy and related diseases, aiming to reduce disease-driving RNA effects.
-
Biofilm structure and its role in the start of gum disease
A researchers team will study how tiny communities of bacteria at the gumline interact with the mouth’s tissues to spark inflammation that leads from healthy gums to periodontal disease.
-
Understanding how unusual RNA translation happens in neurological diseases
Researchers are studying how RNAs can start making proteins in unexpected ways in neurodegenerative diseases, which could reveal new targets for therapy.
-
Early-life neighborhood redlining and lifetime mortality in a historical cohort
This project looks at whether growing up in areas graded or disinvested by HOLC in the 1930s affects mortality later in life for people born in 1930–1940.
-
Activating PTP1B and Other Phosphatases with Small Molecules
A safety-focused, patient-friendly look at a project that aims to turn on natural enzymes in our cells to help correct harmful signals in diseases.
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.