Exploring new human genes that produce different proteins from existing ones
Official title: Translation of overprinted non-canonical open reading frames from alternative transcript variants
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10943268 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new type of genes in humans that can create special proteins, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how our genes work and how they might affect our health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $433,865 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM155404-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10943268 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic conditions or diseases that may be influenced by the expression of alternative protein products.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to genetic variations or those not expressing iORFs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a newly discovered class of human genes known as internal open reading frames (iORFs), which can produce distinct proteins that differ from those encoded by the main gene. By using advanced long-read sequencing technologies, the researchers aim to identify and validate these iORFs in human cells. The study will also explore the functional roles of these microproteins and how they relate to the canonical proteins they overlap. This could provide insights into the complexity of gene expression and protein function in human biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of gene function and the development of new therapeutic strategies for diseases linked to these novel proteins.
How similar studies have gone: While the exploration of iORFs is a relatively novel area, previous research on overlapping genes in viral genomes has shown promising results, suggesting potential for success in human studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Slavoff, Sarah Ann — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Slavoff, Sarah Ann
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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.