NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how certain genetic elements affect mRNA stability and protein production

Official title: Regulation of upstream open reading frames in mRNA stability and translation

Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11129778 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at tiny parts of genes that help control how our genes work, which is important for understanding diseases, and it uses a plant called Arabidopsis to find out how these parts affect the way proteins are made, with the hope that this could lead to better treatments for people with gene-related health issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichigan State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project startJuly 2, 2024
Project endApril 30, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$366,684
NIH project number5R35GM155375-02
Project IDNIH-11129778 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic disorders or diseases linked to abnormal gene expression.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to gene regulation or mRNA stability may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in regulating gene expression, which is crucial for understanding various human diseases. By utilizing high-throughput sequencing and advanced bioinformatics, the study aims to identify and characterize the features and regulatory mechanisms of uORFs using the model organism Arabidopsis. The research will explore how these genetic elements influence mRNA stability and the translation of proteins, potentially uncovering new insights into gene regulation. Patients may benefit from the findings as they could lead to better understanding and treatment of diseases linked to gene expression abnormalities.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of gene regulation, leading to improved treatments for diseases associated with mRNA stability and translation issues.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gene regulation through similar approaches, indicating potential for significant advancements in this area.

Where this research is happening

  • Michigan State University
    East Lansing, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Hsu, Polly — Michigan State University
  • Study coordinator: Hsu, Polly

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.