How RNA splicing shapes cell structure and local protein production
When alternative splicing meets cytoskeleton organization, local translation, and transcription regulation
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11326778
This research looks at how RNA splicing changes cell structure and local protein production in heart and nerve cells to help improve understanding of heart and brain health.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11326778 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies how alternative splicing—the way cells edit RNA to make different protein versions—alters the cell skeleton, local sites of protein production, and gene control. The team will focus on very large, specialized cells such as heart muscle cells and neurons, using lab-grown cells and molecular tools to track different splice variants and the proteins they produce. They will measure effects on membrane trafficking, cytoskeleton dynamics, local translation, and phase separation, and compare how these processes influence overall organ function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with heart or neuromuscular conditions who can donate tissue or blood samples to UNC Chapel Hill, or healthy volunteers for comparison, would be most relevant for participation.
Not a fit: Those seeking immediate changes to their clinical care or people with conditions unrelated to heart or nerve cell function are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal mechanisms that point to new targets for treating heart and neurological conditions linked to faulty splicing.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have connected splicing changes to disease, but applying functional, cell-type-focused approaches in large heart and muscle cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GIUDICE, JIMENA — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: GIUDICE, JIMENA
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.