How long noncoding RNAs control exosome production
Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Exosome Biogenesis
Researchers are looking at whether long noncoding RNAs help cells make and load tiny packages called exosomes in ways that affect cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195159 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project examines long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the nucleus and cytoplasm to see how they influence the formation, cargo sorting, and release of exosomes. Scientists will use cell models under normal and stress conditions (for example, low oxygen and oxidative stress), manipulate lncRNA levels, and apply imaging and biochemical methods to track exosome trafficking and contents. Experiments will focus on docking, fusion of multivesicular bodies with the cell membrane, and which RNAs or proteins are packaged into exosomes. The work aims to connect these molecular mechanisms to processes important in cancer cell communication.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancer who are willing to donate tumor tissue or blood samples for research or who want to follow emerging biomarkers of tumor communication would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes or those without cancer are unlikely to receive direct short-term benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new biomarkers or ways to block cancer cells from sending harmful signals, leading to future diagnostics or therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory studies suggest some lncRNAs can affect exosome release and cargo, but translating these findings into clinical tests or treatments remains new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Momen Heravi, Fatemeh — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Momen Heravi, Fatemeh
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.