RNA-binding proteins that drive cancer growth and affect patient survival
Mapping the regulatory landscape of RNA binding proteins and their causal roles in tumorigenesis and patient survival
Researchers are looking for specific RNA-binding proteins and the RNA patterns they control that help tumors grow and influence survival in people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259570 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses large public tumor datasets and laboratory experiments to find RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that change how cancer cells behave. Scientists will search the 3' and 5' untranslated regions of genes for sequence and structural RNA motifs across about 25 cancer types in TCGA using new computational algorithms. They will group genes into RBP 'modules', link those modules to patient survival, and then test key RBPs in experimental systems to see how they drive tumor growth and spread. The aim is to identify RBPs that could become future biomarkers or targets for new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with tumors represented in The Cancer Genome Atlas (many common cancer types) or those willing to contribute tumor samples for research are the most relevant patients.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer types are not represented in TCGA, those needing immediate clinical care, or people not participating in future clinical follow-up are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biomarkers and therapeutic targets that help predict outcomes or guide treatments for cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked individual RNA-binding proteins to cancer progression and metastasis, but this comprehensive, cross-cancer mapping and motif-discovery approach is relatively new and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tavazoie, Saeed F — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Tavazoie, Saeed F
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.