Identifying and studying new RNA cap structures in cells
Official title: Development of tools to identify and characterize UDP-Sugar metabolite RNA caps
Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-11170289 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new type of RNA modification that could help us understand how cells control gene activity based on their energy levels, which might be important for many biological processes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $171,902 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM104316-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170289 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to RNA metabolism or gene expression dysregulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to RNA metabolism or those who do not have genetic or metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a newly discovered class of RNA modifications that resemble traditional RNA caps, specifically focusing on those made from metabolites like UDP-GlcNAc. By utilizing advanced techniques such as mass spectroscopy and next-generation sequencing, the study aims to identify which RNA transcripts carry these unique caps and how they interact with specific proteins. This could provide insights into how cells regulate gene expression based on their metabolic state, potentially impacting various biological processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of gene regulation and lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases linked to RNA metabolism.
How similar studies have gone: While the exploration of RNA cap structures is a growing field, the specific focus on UDP-sugar caps represents a novel approach that has not been extensively tested in previous research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Delaware
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bird, Jeremy Gilbert — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Bird, Jeremy Gilbert
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
-
New thin, flexible tactile displays to make screens accessible for people who are blind
A new thin film technology will let touch-based screens mimic visual displays, helping people who are blind or visually impaired use phones and other devices.
-
Spinal muscle targets to improve mobility after leg amputation
A study with adults who’ve had a lower-leg amputation will look at how spinal muscle weakness and fat in the back muscles relate to mobility, with the aim of guiding rehabilitation choices.
-
Understanding how tiny cell messengers move in 3-D tissues to improve diagnostics
Researchers are studying how extracellular vesicles, tiny particles that carry disease signals, travel through gel-like tissues to improve noninvasive diagnostic tests.
-
Center for Multiscale Biomolecular Sensing: New Equipment to Probe Disease Signals
A university center is getting equipment support to better measure chemical and biological signals across cells and tissues, with potential benefits for Alzheimer's, autoimmune diseases, and related conditions.
-
Delaware INBRE: Building Delaware’s Biomedical Research Network
A statewide program supports undergraduates and researchers in Delaware to grow biomedical knowledge and train the next generation of scientists.
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.