Understanding how cells detect and degrade faulty mRNAs
Official title: Equipment for the sensitive and quantitative detection of proteins and nucleic acids
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-11100354 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cells identify and break down faulty messages in our genes that can cause inherited diseases, using tiny worms to help understand the process better, which could lead to new insights about gene health for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $138,581 |
| NIH project number | 3R01GM131012-07S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11100354 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic disorders linked to mutations that introduce early stop codons.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions not related to mRNA decay or those without genetic mutations causing early stop codons may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which cells recognize and degrade mRNAs that contain early stop codons, which can lead to inherited diseases. The researchers will explore the biochemical processes involved in Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay (NMD) using a model organism, C. elegans. By dissecting the roles of various proteins and ribosomes in this pathway, the study aims to clarify how these components interact to regulate mRNA stability and degradation. This could provide insights into the fundamental processes of gene expression and its implications for human health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating genetic diseases caused by premature stop codons.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mRNA decay mechanisms, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arribere, Joshua — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Arribere, Joshua
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.