How cells break down noncoding RNAs

Destruction of noncoding RNAs

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-11134629

Researchers are learning how cells destroy tiny noncoding RNAs that help control genes, work that could matter for people with cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11134629 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This laboratory project focuses on how two types of noncoding RNAs—microRNAs and circular RNAs—are tagged and degraded inside cells. The team will study target-directed miRNA degradation (TDMD), how binding of highly complementary RNAs leads to ubiquitination of the Argonaute protein, and how the proteasome contributes to Argonaute and miRNA loss. Experiments will use molecular and biochemical methods in cell lines to find the endogenous RNA targets and protein effectors that drive destruction. The goal is to map the pathways that control RNA stability and understand how their failure may contribute to cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This grant supports basic laboratory research and does not enroll patients or require human participants.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatments or clinical trial enrollment will not benefit directly from this lab-focused research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets for cancer diagnostics or therapies that control harmful gene-regulating RNAs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, including findings from the PI, have shown examples of TDMD and identified an E3 ligase, but broadly identifying endogenous TDMD targets is still a new area.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.