Small nucleolar RNAs and their role in cancer
Systematic Characterization of Small Nucleolar RNAs in Cancer
This project looks at whether small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) drive cancer growth and could become new biomarkers or treatment targets for people with breast and other cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143830 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The research team analyzes large sets of patient tumor samples and cell lines to find snoRNAs that are linked to cancer behavior. They use a public data portal (SNORic) to share and explore snoRNA patterns across many cancer types. In the lab they test how specific snoRNAs, such as SNORD46, affect tumor initiation, growth, invasion and resistance, and they try RNA-targeting approaches like antisense oligonucleotides to reduce those effects. Results will guide whether certain snoRNAs might serve as biomarkers or targets for new RNA-based therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer—especially triple-negative breast cancer—and patients with other tumor types that show abnormal snoRNA levels are the most likely candidates to contribute samples or be considered for future snoRNA-targeting trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not show snoRNA abnormalities or who have non-cancer conditions are unlikely to see a direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new diagnostic markers and RNA-targeting treatments that slow tumor growth or improve outcomes for people with breast and other cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies and the existing SNORic database have linked snoRNAs to cancer, and antisense oligonucleotides have worked for other RNA targets, but targeting snoRNAs in cancer is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Leng — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Han, Leng
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.