How microRNAs are controlled to keep genes in balance
Official title: Molecular control of microRNA gene-regulatory activity.
Funded at Kansas State University · NIH-11257298 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at how tiny microRNA molecules are kept balanced so genes work properly, which could help people with cancer or neurodegenerative diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kansas State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhattan, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2017 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $447,096 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM124828-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11257298 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with cancers or degenerative neurologic conditions are the likely future beneficiaries and might be eligible for later clinical trials informed by this research, although the grant itself does not enroll patients.
✕Less likely to help
Patients needing immediate clinical care or those with conditions unrelated to miRNA dysregulation are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory work.
What this research studies
Researchers use a tiny worm called C. elegans to learn how microRNAs are made and loaded into the cellular machinery that turns genes off. They combine genetics and molecular tools in living animals to map the steps that control which microRNA strand is used and how strongly targets are repressed. The team will identify key proteins and cofactors that change microRNA activity during development. Findings are intended to clarify how misregulated microRNAs contribute to cancer and neurodegenerative disease and to guide future therapeutic ideas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal molecular targets to correct miRNA misregulation and guide new treatments or diagnostics for cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous basic research has shown miRNAs play important roles in disease, but the specific mechanisms of strand-specific miRISC loading being studied here are relatively novel and mechanistic in nature.
Where this research is happening
-
Kansas State University
Manhattan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zinovyeva, Anna — Kansas State University
- Study coordinator: Zinovyeva, Anna
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.