Mapping how early splicing proteins bind newly made RNA
Comprehensive Maps of Early Spliceosome and Regulator Binding to Nascent RNA in Human Cells
This project makes detailed maps of where early splicing proteins attach to new RNA to help people with genetic problems caused by incorrect RNA splicing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193820 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will create and refine laboratory methods to capture proteins and RNPs that bind unspliced, newly made RNA in human cells and then sequence those RNA fragments. They will generate transcript-wide binding maps for key splicing components such as Rbfox/LASR, U1 snRNP, and U2AF2 using an approach called IPseq. The team will analyze these maps to understand how combinations of bound elements control alternative splicing and to identify intron branchpoints across expressed genes. This work uses human cell material and high-throughput sequencing to build a detailed splicing regulatory code.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with genetic conditions suspected to result from abnormal RNA splicing, or patients and families willing to donate samples to help researchers study splicing, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or those whose conditions are unrelated to RNA splicing are unlikely to see direct benefits from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could clarify how faulty splicing leads to disease and point to new diagnostic markers or targets for therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous applications of IPseq and related biochemical mapping have successfully identified Rbfox and U2 interactions and branchpoints, but applying these maps broadly to multiple early spliceosome components is a novel expansion.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Black, Douglas L — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Black, Douglas L
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 below.