Understanding how human cells turn genes off
Target specificity of human RNA-induced silencing complex
['FUNDING_R01'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11176107
This project aims to understand how certain proteins and small RNAs in our bodies work together to control which genes are active, which could help us fight diseases like AIDS.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11176107 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our bodies have tiny systems that can turn genes on or off, a process called gene silencing. This project focuses on specific proteins, called AGO proteins, and small RNA molecules that form a team to silence genes. While we know these teams exist, we don't fully understand how each specific AGO protein decides which genes to silence. By looking closely at these teams using advanced imaging, we hope to learn how they recognize their targets, which is key to understanding their unique roles in health and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is relevant for patients with conditions like AIDS where understanding how genes are turned off could lead to new treatment strategies.
Not a fit: Patients whose health conditions are not related to how genes are turned on or off by these specific cellular mechanisms may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to predict how gene silencing works and potentially develop new treatments for diseases where this process goes wrong, such as viral infections like AIDS.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of gene silencing is known, this project explores the specific ways individual AGO proteins recognize their targets, an area where detailed understanding is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY — Columbus, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NAKANISHI, KOTARO — OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: NAKANISHI, KOTARO
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus