Identifying RNA structures that affect human health and disease

Discovery of structural RNAs involved in human health and disease

NIH-funded research Harvard University · NIH-10904917

This study is looking at special RNA structures that are important for how our cells work, and it aims to find new ones that could be connected to health issues, which might help in developing new treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cambridge, United States)
Project IDNIH-10904917 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on discovering and understanding various RNA structures that play crucial roles in cellular functions and are conserved through evolution. By utilizing advanced statistical methods and algorithms, the researchers aim to predict RNA structures and identify new conserved RNAs that may be linked to health and disease. The study employs innovative techniques like R-scape and CaCoFold to analyze RNA covariation and folding, which could lead to significant insights into non-coding RNAs relevant to human health. Patients may benefit from the findings as they could reveal new targets for therapeutic interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with conditions linked to RNA dysfunction or those interested in genetic research.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to RNA structures or those not involved in genetic research may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into RNA-related mechanisms of disease, potentially guiding the development of novel treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in identifying RNA structures and their roles in disease, suggesting that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.

Where this research is happening

Cambridge, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.