Reverse transcriptase enzymes for improved RNA tests
Group II Intron and Related Reverse Transcriptases
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · NIH-11329083
The project develops special enzymes to make more accurate RNA-based blood tests that could help people with cancer and other conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUSTIN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11329083 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are improving unique enzymes called group II intron reverse transcriptases to read RNA more completely and accurately. They use these enzymes in an RNA-sequencing approach (TGIRT-seq) to profile both protein-coding and non-coding RNAs in cells, blood plasma, and extracellular vesicles. The team studies enzyme structure and purification to boost performance and applies the methods to clinical samples, including liquid biopsies. The goal is better RNA-diagnostic tools and potential genome-engineering applications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer or those willing to donate blood or plasma for RNA biomarker research would be the most likely candidates to participate or benefit.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate new therapy should not expect direct clinical benefit, since this work focuses on laboratory methods and diagnostic development rather than treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable more sensitive and comprehensive RNA-based blood tests to detect cancer earlier and better monitor disease over time.
How similar studies have performed: Related TGIRT-seq methods have already been used to profile RNAs in human plasma and extracellular vesicles, and this project builds on that prior success to expand clinical applications.
Where this research is happening
AUSTIN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN — AUSTIN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LAMBOWITZ, ALAN M. — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- Study coordinator: LAMBOWITZ, ALAN M.
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.
Conditions: Cancers