Developing new medicines to target protein-RNA interactions
Chemical approaches for targeting ribonucleoprotein assemblies
This project looks for new chemicals that can control how proteins and RNA work together, which could help in treating diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182721 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on complex interactions between RNA and proteins to control how our genes work, and problems with these interactions can lead to serious conditions like cancer. This project aims to find new chemical compounds that can specifically adjust how certain proteins, called DEAD-box ATPases, interact with RNA. These DEAD-box proteins are crucial for many cellular processes, and when they don't work correctly, it can contribute to diseases. We hope to discover compounds that can either strengthen or weaken these protein-RNA connections in a controlled way, potentially opening doors for new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit those with cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and rare genetic conditions in the future.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to RNA-protein assembly dysfunction or DEAD-box ATPase activity would likely not benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of entirely new types of drugs that target the fundamental mechanisms of diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.
How similar studies have performed: While the importance of RNA-protein interactions is known, developing selective chemical modulators for DEAD-box proteins is a relatively new and promising area of exploration.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cupido, Tommaso — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Cupido, Tommaso
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 below.