Twice-reading RNA sequencing to better map RNA modifications
Official title: Twice reading of RNA by direct nanopore sequencing
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11599436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are using a novel method to read RNA twice to more accurately map chemical modifications in human transcripts, which could help us understand health and disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $112,568 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HG013302-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11599436 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to a specific patient population at this stage; potential future relevance includes researchers and clinicians studying RNA biology in human health and disease.
✕Less likely to help
Direct clinical benefit to patients may not occur in the near term; the grant focuses on methodological advances in RNA sequencing.
What this research studies
This project aims to improve how we detect and quantify RNA modifications by using the 3Dpol enzyme to create a double-read of each RNA molecule during nanopore sequencing. The approach links the original RNA strand with a copied strand, giving a higher-fidelity reference to compare against the nanopore read. By analyzing how these modifications influence sequencing accuracy, the project hopes to establish clearer modification maps that relate to gene expression and cell fate. The work combines molecular biology with nanotechnology to push forward our ability to study human transcriptomes at a finer level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this method could lead to more accurate maps of RNA modifications, enhancing our understanding of gene regulation and potentially informing research into human diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows nanopore sequencing can detect RNA modifications, but accuracy and quantification remain challenging, making this approach innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hou, Ya-Ming — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Hou, Ya-Ming
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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.