How cells make and control the ends of messenger RNA
Mechanisms and regulation of mRNA 3' processing
Researchers are working to understand how cells create and control the ends of messenger RNA to help people with cancers and neurological disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11394405 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I have a disease, this project explains how scientists study the tiny 'tail' added to messenger RNA that helps control how genes are used. The team uses biochemical tests, high-resolution structural work, and genome-wide analyses in mammalian systems to map the proteins and signals involved. They will look at how cell signaling and RNA-binding proteins change which RNA endings are made, since those changes can affect disease. The goal is to reveal targets that could be used for new treatments for conditions such as cancer and neurological disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancer or certain neurological disorders whose tissue or molecular samples show abnormal mRNA processing would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to gene expression mechanisms or those unable to provide biological samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to correct abnormal mRNA processing and lead to therapies for cancers and neurological disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have shown that alternative mRNA tailing affects disease biology, but turning these findings into clinical treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shi, Yongsheng — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Shi, Yongsheng
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.