NIH-funded research Career grant

Exploring the role of long noncoding RNAs in human cells

Official title: Identification and Characterization of Functional lncRNAs in human cells

Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11095844 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring special RNA molecules called long noncoding RNAs to see how they work in our bodies, using a new technology that helps scientists look at them more easily, which could help us understand their role in health and diseases better.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Berkeley
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Berkeley, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$117,883
NIH project number5K99GM151484-02
Project IDNIH-11095844 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to lncRNA dysregulation, which may include various cancers and genetic disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to lncRNA function or those who do not have a genetic component to their disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are crucial components of the human transcriptome involved in various biological processes. The project aims to identify and characterize functional lncRNAs using a novel RNA-targeting CRISPR-Csm technology that allows for efficient knockdown and imaging of these molecules in living cells. By overcoming previous technical limitations, the research will enable high-throughput screening of thousands of lncRNAs, potentially revealing their roles in health and disease. This work could lead to significant advancements in understanding RNA biology and its implications for disease diagnosis and treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of diseases linked to lncRNA dysregulation and pave the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using CRISPR technology for RNA studies, indicating that this approach has the potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California Berkeley
    Berkeley, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Colognori, David — University of California Berkeley
  • Study coordinator: Colognori, David

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.