How RNA‑binding proteins like IGF2BP3 influence cancer
Protein-RNA interactions in cancer
This research looks at how a cancer-linked protein called IGF2BP3 changes RNA messages in leukemia and other cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129916 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying IGF2BP3, a protein that sticks to messenger RNA and can change how those messages are processed and spliced. The team will map IGF2BP3 binding sites and measure effects on mRNA stability and alternative splicing using laboratory assays and advanced sequencing. They will test how removing IGF2BP3 affects leukemia development in mouse models. The lab will link these findings back to human leukemia genes to identify possible biomarkers or drug targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with acute leukemia or other cancers that show high IGF2BP3 expression would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients without cancers driven by IGF2BP3 or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for aggressive leukemias and other cancers with high IGF2BP3 levels.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown IGF2BP3 is overexpressed in many cancers and required for leukemia in mouse models, but approaches to target it in patients remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Santa Cruz, United States
- University of California Santa Cruz — Santa Cruz, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanford, Jeremy Robert — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Sanford, Jeremy Robert
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.