Understanding how CRISPR-Cas systems recognize and respond to foreign RNA
Official title: Determining the specificity and regulation of Type III CRISPR-Cas interference
Funded at University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa · NIH-10879060 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special system in bacteria helps them recognize and respond to foreign RNA, which could lead to better ways to fight antibiotic resistance and create new technologies that might help patients in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tuscaloosa, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $351,537 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM142966-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10879060 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals affected by antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial infections or those not affected by antibiotic resistance may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the Type III CRISPR-Cas system detects and responds to foreign RNA. By focusing on the Cas10-Csm protein complex, the study aims to uncover how specific mismatches in RNA affect the system's ability to initiate a degradation response. The research employs advanced techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the interactions at a molecular level. Patients may benefit from insights gained into antibiotic resistance and the development of new biotechnological applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the CRISPR-Cas system has been widely studied, the specific focus on Type III systems and their unique mechanisms is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dunkle, Jack Albert — University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
- Study coordinator: Dunkle, Jack Albert
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.