How cells destroy microRNAs and other noncoding RNAs
Destruction of noncoding RNAs
This project looks at how cells break down microRNAs and circular RNAs to help inform future cancer diagnostics and treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11394937 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will identify the specific RNA targets and molecular steps that trigger destruction of microRNAs and circular RNAs. They will study how the Argonaute protein is marked by an E3 ubiquitin ligase and sent to the proteasome for breakdown, which then frees the RNA to be degraded. Experiments will use molecular and cellular techniques, including cancer cell lines and biochemical assays, plus sequencing to find RNAs that induce degradation. The findings aim to reveal common pathways that control RNA stability across different cell types.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers known to involve microRNA changes, or those willing to donate tumor or blood samples for research, would be the most relevant clinical participants.
Not a fit: People without cancer or those seeking immediate treatment effects are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to control RNA regulators in cancer and lead to biomarkers or therapies that target RNA stability.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies, including the PI's earlier work, have identified examples of target-directed miRNA degradation and an E3 ligase involved, but broad identification of natural target RNAs remains novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kleaveland, Benjamin Monteverde — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Kleaveland, Benjamin Monteverde
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 below.