How proteins steer RNA splicing in cells
Protein-driven dynamics of pre-mRNA splicing catalysis through single molecule microscopy
This project uses single-molecule microscopy to watch how proteins guide RNA splicing, which matters for diseases such as cancer, cardiomyopathy, and certain genetic disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144487 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will watch individual RNA and protein molecules with advanced single-molecule microscopes to observe how the spliceosome assembles and performs the chemical steps of splicing. They will combine these imaging experiments with biochemical tests to pinpoint how specific proteins and ATP-driven steps select splice sites. The team focuses on molecular events tied to alternative splicing errors that are linked to cancers, dilated cardiomyopathy, progeria, myelodysplastic syndromes, and some forms of early-onset Parkinson's. The findings are intended to reveal mechanisms that could later be targeted for new diagnostics or treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this is laboratory research without patient enrollment, people with cancers, dilated cardiomyopathy, progeria, myelodysplastic syndromes, or genetic Parkinson's are the patient groups most likely to benefit from downstream applications.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that are unrelated to RNA splicing defects are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify precise molecular targets and mechanisms that enable development of future diagnostics or therapies for diseases caused by splicing errors.
How similar studies have performed: Single-molecule methods have successfully revealed dynamics in other RNA–protein systems, but applying them to spliceosome catalytic steps is a relatively new and technically demanding approach.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duran, Elizabeth C — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Duran, Elizabeth C
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.