Understanding how genes can produce different proteins through alternative splicing
Building Knowledge About Alternatively-spliced Dual-Coding Exons
This study is looking at how our genes can create different proteins from the same piece of DNA, which might help us understand how our bodies work and how certain health issues develop.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10701663 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the phenomenon of alternative splicing in human genes, where a single gene can produce multiple protein products by selectively including different segments called exons in the messenger RNA (mRNA). The team will utilize extensive public databases to analyze how often these alternative splicing events occur and their potential functional significance in different tissues. By employing custom software, they aim to identify and characterize dual-coding exons, which can encode two different proteins from the same genetic sequence. This work could enhance our understanding of gene expression and its implications for health and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic conditions or diseases that may be influenced by alternative splicing mechanisms.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to genetic splicing or those not affected by protein-coding gene variations may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into gene function and the development of targeted therapies for diseases linked to splicing errors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding alternative splicing and its implications, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wheeler, Travis John — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Wheeler, Travis John
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.