New technology to read RNA molecules directly
Direct RNA sequencing using electo-optical zero mode waveguides and custom click fluorescent nucleotides
Building a lab method to read RNA molecules directly with greater detail so scientists can better understand diseases such as ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307561 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project develops a new single-molecule RNA reading tool that combines electro-optical zero-mode waveguides with custom fluorescent 'click' nucleotides to detect RNA sequences and chemical modifications without converting RNA to DNA. The team will optimize the chemistry and optical hardware, and compare the new approach against existing long-read methods to measure accuracy and sensitivity. They will test the method on RNA samples, including human-derived samples, to see how well it detects modifications and long RNA molecules. Progress is focused on lab development rather than enrolling patients in a clinical trial.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with ALS or frontotemporal dementia who are willing to donate blood or tissue samples for RNA analysis would be the most relevant participants for related specimen collection.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate treatment or therapeutic benefit are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this lab-focused technology development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make it easier to spot and measure RNA changes that serve as disease markers or point to new diagnostics and therapeutics for conditions like ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Other single-molecule and nanopore approaches have shown promise for direct RNA reading, but this electro-optical plus click-nucleotide approach is novel and still being developed.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Northeastern University — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wanunu, Meni — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Wanunu, Meni
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.