How nerve cells make different full-length gene messages
Coordination of alternative exon and 3'UTR choices in mRNAs
This project uses new RNA sequencing to see how nerve cells make different full-length gene messages that can matter for brain development and disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330163 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will develop a new single-cell long-read sequencing method (scPL-Seq) to read complete RNA messages from individual cells in fruit flies and lab-grown human neurons. They will map how choices of internal exons and 3'UTRs are combined in single RNA molecules across cell types. The researchers will identify the proteins and regulatory factors that coordinate these RNA processing choices and test effects on neuron growth using fly models. Human embryonic stem cells will be turned into neurons in the lab so the group can look for similar coordinated RNA patterns that might relate to human brain development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; it uses fruit flies and laboratory-grown human embryonic stem cells differentiated into neurons rather than recruiting people.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical benefit for neurological or developmental conditions should not expect direct treatment from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal how altered RNA processing contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders and point to new targets for future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in fruit flies showed that coordinated exon and 3'UTR choices can influence axon growth, but translating those findings to human neurons is a novel step.
Where this research is happening
Farmington, United States
- University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt — Farmington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miura, Pedro — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Miura, Pedro
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.