How disordered protein regions change RNA control in developmental disorders

Protein Disorder as a Modifier of RNA Binding and Regulation

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11331694

This work looks at how flexible, disordered parts of RNA-binding proteins change gene control in ways that can lead to developmental disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11331694 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill are studying RNA-binding proteins, focusing on their intrinsically disordered low-complexity regions and how those regions bind structured RNA elements. They combine lab biochemistry, molecular and computational biology, and relevant animal models to map how these interactions work across tissues. The team will also study disease-causing mutations and different protein isoforms to see how they alter RNA regulation. The goal is to define general rules of recognition that explain how mutations contribute to RBP-linked developmental disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People or families affected by developmental disorders linked to RNA-binding proteins who can donate clinical information or biological samples, or who want to be considered for future related studies, would be most relevant.

Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to RNA-binding proteins or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify causes of RNA-binding protein-related developmental disorders and point to new targets for diagnostics or future therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous basic-science studies have begun to show that disordered protein regions can mediate RNA interactions, but translating these findings into clinical interventions remains early-stage.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.
Conditions DiseaseDisease PathwayDisorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.