Investigating how RNA structure regulates gene editing in trypanosomes
Official title: Role of RNA structure in developmental RNA editing regulation in trypanosomes
Funded at Texas A&m Agrilife Research · NIH-11036878 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of parasite called trypanosomes, which causes diseases like African sleeping sickness, changes its RNA to survive in different environments, and it aims to help us understand how these changes happen so we can find better ways to fight these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m Agrilife Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | November 13, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $242,185 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI187936-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036878 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by African sleeping sickness or Chagas disease, as they are directly impacted by the parasites being studied.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to trypanosomiasis or those not infected by these parasites may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the unique process of RNA editing in trypanosomes, which are parasites responsible for diseases like African sleeping sickness. It focuses on understanding how RNA structure influences the regulation of this editing process during different lifecycle stages of the parasite. By examining the role of guide RNAs and regulatory proteins, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that control RNA editing in response to the parasite's environment. This could lead to insights into how these parasites adapt and survive in their hosts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating diseases caused by trypanosomes, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that understanding RNA editing mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in treating parasitic infections.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m Agrilife Research
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cruz-Reyes, Jorge — Texas A&m Agrilife Research
- Study coordinator: Cruz-Reyes, Jorge
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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.