Exploring hidden aspects of the immune system's genetic code

Illuminating the immune system's genomic dark matter: functionally annotating the hidden translatome

NIH-funded research Harvard Medical School · NIH-11176614

This study is looking into some hidden parts of our immune system's genetic material to see how certain RNA molecules help make proteins that affect inflammation, which could lead to new treatments for people with inflammatory diseases.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard Medical School NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11176614 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the unexplored parts of the immune system's genetic material, focusing on how certain RNA molecules, previously thought to be non-coding, actually play a role in protein production. By using advanced techniques like ribosome profiling, the team aims to identify new proteins that influence the body's inflammatory response. This could lead to a better understanding of how the immune system functions and how it can be manipulated for therapeutic purposes. Patients may benefit from insights that could inform new treatments for inflammatory diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals with inflammatory conditions or diseases related to immune system dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with stable, non-inflammatory conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing inflammatory diseases by uncovering novel proteins involved in the immune response.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in uncovering novel functions of non-coding RNAs, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions DiseaseDisorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.