Understanding how cells manage faulty genetic messages
Translation, targeting, and decay of yeast nonsense-containing mRNAs
This project explores how yeast cells identify and remove flawed genetic instructions, which helps keep cells healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129802 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies, like yeast cells, constantly make proteins using genetic instructions called mRNA. Sometimes, these instructions have errors, like a "premature stop sign," which can lead to faulty proteins. This research looks at how yeast cells recognize these flawed messages and quickly get rid of them through a process called nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). By studying key proteins involved in NMD in yeast, we aim to uncover the exact steps cells take to maintain the quality of their genetic messages. This basic understanding could eventually help us learn more about human diseases caused by similar genetic errors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with genetic conditions caused by premature stop codons or errors in RNA splicing could eventually benefit from the knowledge gained from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to genetic errors in mRNA processing or protein production may not directly benefit from this specific area of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this foundational understanding of how cells handle faulty genetic messages could pave the way for new ways to address genetic diseases in humans caused by similar errors.
How similar studies have performed: While nonsense-mediated mRNA decay has been studied extensively, the precise molecular mechanisms of how key proteins recognize and trigger the degradation of faulty mRNA are still being uncovered.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jacobson, Allan S — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Jacobson, Allan S
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.