Investigating how certain RNA sequences control heart-related gene expression
Official title: uORF-mediated Translational Control of Cardiac Transcription Factor Expression
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11059921 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny RNA sequences that help control how proteins important for heart health are made, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how these processes might lead to new treatments for heart problems like thickening of the heart muscle.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $456,876 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164584-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059921 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cardiac hypertrophy or other related cardiac disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those without any heart-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how short RNA sequences, known as upstream open reading frames (uORFs), influence the production of proteins that are crucial for heart function. By analyzing data from human and mouse studies, the researchers aim to uncover how these uORFs can regulate the expression of important cardiac transcription factors, such as GATA4. The study employs advanced techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 to modify genes in human stem cells and mouse models, allowing for a detailed examination of how these mechanisms contribute to heart conditions like hypertrophy. The ultimate goal is to develop new therapeutic strategies using antisense oligonucleotides to target these regulatory pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for cardiac diseases by targeting the molecular mechanisms that regulate heart function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar molecular mechanisms in other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Peng — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Yao, Peng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Rapid automated breast lump diagnosis without a radiologist or sonographer
A new AI-powered ultrasound tool helps determine if a palpable breast lump is likely benign or malignant, using a simplified technique that can be used by people with minimal ultrasound training.
-
ML-ROVER: Reducing Unneeded Lab Tests in Kids with AI
Aims to use machine learning to cut unnecessary blood tests in children in intensive care, helping avoid anemia and improve care quality.
-
Aggressive fever-reducing therapy to protect the brains of children with CNS malaria
A study planned for children with CNS malaria will test whether aggressive fever-reducing treatment can lower death and brain-related problems.
-
Aggressive fever-reducing therapy to protect brains in children with CNS malaria
A plan to test whether giving strong fever-reducing medications to children with central nervous system malaria can lower death and brain injury.
-
Aggressive fever-fighting treatment to protect the brain in kids with CNS malaria
A plan to test whether giving strong fever-reducing treatment alongside standard care can lower death and brain injury in children with CNS malaria.
-
Aggressive fever-reducing treatment to protect brains in kids with CNS malaria
A plan to test whether giving strong fever-reducing medicine alongside standard malaria treatment can lower deaths and brain injuries in children with CNS malaria.
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.