Molecular basis of how mRNA gets from the nucleus to the rest of the cell
Official title: Molecular Basis of mRNA Export
Funded at California Institute of Technology · NIH-11336832 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how messenger RNA is exported from the cell nucleus through the nuclear pore complex, which could inform diseases where cellular transport goes wrong.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project start | February 5, 2016 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $376,883 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM117360-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336832 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patient participants directly in this grant, but advances could inform future therapies targeting cellular transport mechanisms in humans.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefit is not part of this basic science project.
What this research studies
This project examines the human nuclear pore complex and the proteins that control export of mRNA from the nucleus. Researchers use biochemical reconstitution, mapping of protein interactions, high-resolution structure work, and cryo-electron tomography to build a detailed picture of how mRNA exits the nucleus. The findings may clarify fundamental processes that, when faulty, contribute to disease. Participation would involve laboratory work, imaging, and analysis led by a clinician-relevant PI at Caltech.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of cellular RNA transport could lead to insights for diseases where gene expression is disrupted.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has progressively revealed NPC structure and function, with ongoing progress in near-atomic modeling of human NPC components.
Where this research is happening
-
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoelz, Andre — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Hoelz, Andre
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.