Understanding how a specific RNA affects gene silencing in mouse cells
Official title: Dissecting mechanisms of gene silencing by the lncRNA Kcnq1ot1 in mouse trophoblast stem cells
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11015896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special RNA called Kcnq1ot1 helps turn off certain genes, which is important for healthy development, especially in people with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and it aims to find out more about how this process works to help improve treatments in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,798 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HD111292-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome or those conceived through in vitro fertilization who may be at risk for related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome or are not conceived via assisted reproductive technologies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a long non-coding RNA called Kcnq1ot1 in gene silencing, which is crucial for normal development. The study focuses on how Kcnq1ot1 interacts with specific proteins to silence genes, particularly in the context of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, a serious birth defect. By examining the mechanisms of Kcnq1ot1 in mouse trophoblast stem cells, the research aims to uncover the underlying processes that could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for related conditions. The approach includes identifying key sequence elements and the proteins that bind to them, which may help clarify how gene silencing occurs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential interventions for Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and other related birth defects.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding gene silencing mechanisms through similar approaches, indicating that this study builds on established scientific principles.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murvin, Mckenzie — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Murvin, Mckenzie
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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.