New RNA tools to predict how cells and the immune system behave
A new generation of prediction with systems-level RNA genomics
Researchers are building computational RNA tools to read many kinds of RNA messages and predict how they change cell functions and the immune system, to help people with conditions linked to RNA changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257192 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project combines large-scale RNA sequencing with new computational algorithms to map and predict diverse RNA transcripts — including alternative splicing and circular RNAs — across many cell types. The team will integrate information about RNA editing and immune-system DNA recombination (V(D)J) to understand how different transcript variants arise and act in different cellular contexts. Work uses human genomic data and biological samples alongside lab and computational methods to train systems-level predictive models. The goal is to produce tools that point researchers toward RNA variants most likely to matter for health and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions linked to RNA or splicing changes, such as certain genetic disorders or immune-related diseases, are most likely to benefit from the findings.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to RNA biology (for example, purely structural injuries) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tools could help identify RNA changes that drive disease and guide future diagnostics or targeted treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has discovered new RNA types and tied splicing changes to disease, but creating accurate, systems-level predictive models is a newer and still exploratory effort.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salzman, Julia — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Salzman, Julia
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.