Understanding how cells process genetic messages in diseases like cancer and ALS
Regulation of mRNA processing: Mechanisms and Consequences
This project aims to understand how our cells process genetic information, which can go wrong in conditions like certain cancers and ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11083707 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how our cells correctly read and use genetic instructions, a process called mRNA processing, which can contribute to serious illnesses when it goes awry. Researchers are investigating how changes in specific genes lead to blood cancers like myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and how these changes cause problems like anemia. They are also looking into how certain proteins behave abnormally in conditions such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which can lead to toxic clumps in brain cells. By uncovering these fundamental mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to tackle these diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), other cancers linked to splicing factor mutations, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to mRNA processing errors, such as those in cancer or neurodegenerative diseases like ALS/FTD, would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for therapies that correct faulty genetic processing in diseases like cancer and ALS.
How similar studies have performed: The principal investigator's lab has a long history of successful work in mRNA processing, indicating a strong foundation for these continued studies.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia Univ New York Morningside — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Manley, James L. — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Manley, James L.
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.