Targeting specific small RNAs to treat human diseases
3' tsRNAs: biologic function and pre-clinical targeting for treating human disease
This research explores how tiny RNA molecules called 3'tsRNAs work in our bodies and aims to develop new ways to treat diseases like cancer by targeting them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125883 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies contain tiny RNA molecules called 3'tsRNAs, which seem to play a part in how tissues regenerate and in conditions where cells grow too much, such as cancer. We've found that by reducing a specific 3'tsRNA, we can stop rapidly dividing cells from growing and even cause them to self-destruct. Conversely, increasing this 3'tsRNA can boost cell growth. This project aims to uncover more about how these 3'tsRNAs interact with other parts of our cells and to create new gene therapies or targeted treatments to control them, especially for liver conditions and liver cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not yet recruiting patients, but future clinical trials based on this work would likely focus on individuals with hyperproliferative diseases, such as liver cancer.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to 3'tsRNA function or hyperproliferative diseases would likely not benefit from treatments developed through this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to entirely new treatments for various human diseases, including liver cancer, by precisely controlling cell growth.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific targeting of 3'tsRNAs is a novel approach, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies, a similar concept, have shown success in treating other genetic diseases.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kay, Mark a — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Kay, Mark a
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.