Mirror-image RNA-binding tools to study and treat RNA-related diseases
Official title: Mirror Image Aptamers: Next Generation RNA-Binding Reagents for Basic Research and Therapeutic Applications
Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-11389437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new type of mirror-image RNA binder called L-aptamers could help scientists study RNA structure and potentially develop RNA-based therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2017 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $367,737 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM124974-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11389437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not a patient-facing study; basic science tools and potential future therapies, no current patient enrollment.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation or benefit at this stage.
What this research studies
This grant supports developing L-aptamers, RNA-like molecules that bind specific RNA structures with high precision. The work focuses on creating tools that recognize RNA shapes, not just sequences, to expand how researchers study RNA functions. By evolving these mirror-image reagents, the project aims to enable new methods to probe RNA in biology and inform potential therapies for RNA-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from improved research tools and the foundation for future RNA-targeted therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous efforts show that structure-specific RNA binders are challenging but can inspire powerful research tools; this project explores a novel mirror-image approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sczepanski, Jonathan Thomas — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Sczepanski, Jonathan Thomas
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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.