Investigating RNA modifications in human cells using synthetic mRNA controls
Official title: Synthetic mRNA Control Set for Nanopore-Based Pseudouridine Modification Profiling in Human Transcriptomes
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-11015001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes to RNA molecules, like adding a special building block called pseudouridine, can affect their stability and function in our cells, which could help improve our understanding of diseases and how cells work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $845,562 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HG012856-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to RNA processing or diseases where RNA modifications play a significant role.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to RNA modifications or those not requiring RNA-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific modifications to RNA molecules, particularly pseudouridine, affect their stability and function in human cells. By creating synthetic mRNA controls that contain these modifications, researchers will utilize advanced nanopore sequencing techniques to accurately detect and quantify pseudouridine levels. This approach aims to enhance the understanding of RNA biology and improve the reliability of RNA sequencing methods, which could lead to better insights into various diseases and cellular processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved RNA-based therapies and diagnostics by providing a more accurate understanding of RNA modifications.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in detecting RNA modifications using nanopore sequencing, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rouhanifard, Sara Hakim — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Rouhanifard, Sara Hakim
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Mediators and Modulators of Executive Function Training in Older Adults
A large study to understand what parts of brain-training programs for older adults help or hinder engagement and improvements in thinking skills.
-
Ultra-low-power ML brain implants to help manage Alzheimer’s and related disorders
A project to create a tiny, energy-saving brain-monitoring device with smart software that can help detect and manage Alzheimer’s-related conditions in real time.
-
AI-powered video guidance to help blind and low-vision people do daily tasks
A hospital-style grant is funding a wearable glasses system that gives BLV individuals real-time, step-by-step video instructions to do everyday tasks.
-
Precision laser-assisted brain tumor surgery using gigahertz pulse bursts
A new brain tumor surgery method uses real-time imaging and ultra-precise laser bursts to remove cancer cells while sparing healthy brain tissue.
-
Administrative supplement to extend IGVF work on variant interpretation
A one-year extension to finish and expand resources that help scientists interpret genetic variants and predict their effects on health.
-
Combined peer support and online program to help HIV prevention for youths
A youth-focused program combines a web-based alcohol/sexual risk intervention with peer counseling and navigation to reduce HIV risk and alcohol use.
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.