Developing new RNA tools to target difficult diseases like cancer.
Official title: Modular Reagents for Programmable RNA Manipulation by Endogenous Proteins
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11012855 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new RNA-based treatments that can specifically target and silence harmful RNA in diseases like cancer and genetic disorders, offering a gentler alternative to traditional gene editing methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | February 27, 2023 |
| Project end | February 26, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM149057-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012855 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers, genetic disorders, or neurodegenerative diseases who may benefit from novel RNA-targeting therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that are not related to RNA manipulation or those who do not have the specific diseases targeted by this research may not receive any benefit.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative RNA-based molecules that can manipulate RNA in a targeted way, offering a new approach to treating challenging diseases such as cancers and genetic disorders. The project aims to develop bifunctional molecules that link RNA oligonucleotides to small molecules, allowing for programmable targeting of RNA without the permanent changes associated with gene editing. By utilizing a mechanism similar to small interfering RNA (siRNA), these molecules can bind to specific RNA targets and silence them, potentially leading to effective treatments. This approach seeks to overcome the limitations of current RNA manipulation tools that are difficult to deliver in the body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for patients with hard-to-treat diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with RNA manipulation techniques, particularly with small interfering RNAs, indicating a promising avenue for therapeutic development.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lusi, Robert Follett — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Lusi, Robert Follett
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Multimodal AI to predict CAR-T patient response and guide safer, smarter cell design
A Stanford team is building AI tools that use patient and CAR-T cell data to predict how well a CAR-T therapy will work and what design changes might boost effectiveness and safety for people with cancer.
-
Community-driven model to reduce overdose deaths through smarter resource use
A Stanford-led project uses a data-driven model to help counties pick the best ways to prevent opioid and stimulant overdoses and save lives.
-
Center for Dissemination and Implementation at Stanford: Research Core
A Stanford-based program is advancing how evidence-based addiction treatments are implemented across settings to help people with substance use disorders receive better care.
-
Center for Dissemination and Implementation At Stanford (C-DIAS)
A center-based program at Stanford aims to speed people who need addiction treatments to get evidence-based care.
-
Mitochondrial structure and neuron health in Alzheimer's and ALS
This grant studies how mitochondrial cristae structure in neurons is controlled and how its disruption may contribute to diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS.
-
Pediatric EMS seizures: simpler age-based midazolam dosing
A nationwide trial at EMS agencies tests whether using fixed, age-based dosing of midazolam for seizures in children improves treatment speed and safety.
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.