RNA shapes that matter for human health
Discovery of structural RNAs involved in human health and disease
This project looks for folded RNA pieces in human genetic data that could help explain and eventually guide better tests or treatments for people with RNA-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163570 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, this project searches genetic data to find RNA pieces that fold into specific shapes preserved across species. The team looks for evolutionary clues where matching RNA letters change together (covariation) to tell real folded parts from random variation. They use new computer tools called R-scape and CaCoFold to combine positive signals and rule out unlikely pairings, and they've tested these tools on human RNAs like MALAT1 and telomerase RNA. These findings could point to new disease markers or future targets for treatments related to RNA function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions thought to involve noncoding or structured RNAs—for example some cancers or genetic disorders—are the most likely to benefit from follow-up studies based on these findings.
Not a fit: Patients whose diseases are unrelated to RNA function or who need immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic computational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new RNA-based markers or targets that help diagnose or eventually treat diseases tied to RNA function.
How similar studies have performed: Related evolutionary and computational methods have successfully mapped known human noncoding RNA structures like MALAT1 and telomerase RNA, and this project builds on and extends those advances.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Harvard University — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rivas, Elena — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Rivas, Elena
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.