Multiplexed RNA imaging to study splicing in cancer
Official title: Illuminating multiplexed RNA dynamics to interrogate splicing in health and disease
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11358291 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project at Georgetown University will develop a colorful, multi-RNA imaging toolbox to watch how RNA splicing happens inside cancer cells over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $390,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150823-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358291 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with cancer where RNA splicing alterations are suspected or studied in tumor biology; samples may come from consenting patients.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or unrelated conditions may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on making advanced fluorescence microscopy tools to visualize several RNA molecules at once inside living cells, so researchers can see how splicing changes in cancers. The approach aims to capture the dynamic timing and location of splicing events at the subcellular level, using fluorescence lifetime imaging to distinguish different RNAs. By creating a robust labeling toolbox, the work hopes to reveal how misregulated splicing contributes to cancer biology and potentially identify new therapeutic angles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from a deeper understanding of cancer biology and new avenues for targeted therapies that address splicing-related changes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that multiplexed RNA visualization can reveal complex splicing dynamics, but this project aims to extend that to live-cell cancer contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Braselmann, Esther — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Braselmann, Esther
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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.