Investigating how new components control RNA silencing
Official title: Functions and mechanisms of new components in RNA silencing
Funded at Texas A&m Agrilife Research · NIH-11003719 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how plants, like Arabidopsis, control tiny molecules that help them manage their genes, which could lead to better crops that are stronger and more resistant to diseases, ultimately benefiting everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m Agrilife Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $475,208 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151976-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003719 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals interested in advancements in agricultural biotechnology and its implications for food production.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in agricultural biotechnology or those not affected by agricultural practices may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the complex mechanisms that regulate RNA silencing and processing, particularly in the plant model organism Arabidopsis. The team will explore newly identified components involved in two key regulatory hubs, Serrate (SE) and Suppressor of Gene Silencing 3 (SGS3), which play crucial roles in the production of microRNAs and small interfering RNAs. By deciphering these mechanisms, the research aims to enhance our ability to manipulate RNA silencing pathways for various biotechnological applications. Patients may benefit indirectly through advancements in agricultural biotechnology that could lead to improved crop resilience and disease resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in biotechnology that enhance crop resilience and disease resistance, benefiting food security and agricultural health.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding RNA silencing mechanisms, but this specific investigation into newly identified components is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m Agrilife Research
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Xiuren — Texas A&m Agrilife Research
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Xiuren
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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.