Understanding how messenger RNA splicing works and its regulation
Official title: Mechanisms of messenger RNA splicing and RNA processing regulation
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10889947 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special machine in our cells helps process genes, which is important for making proteins, and it aims to understand how this process can be affected by the surrounding DNA and how mistakes in it might lead to health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $393,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM149290-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889947 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 RNA processing abnormalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to RNA splicing or gene regulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex process of messenger RNA splicing, which is essential for gene expression. It focuses on the spliceosome, a large molecular machine that assembles onto pre-messenger RNA and undergoes significant changes during splicing. The study aims to uncover how the assembly of this machinery is influenced by chromatin and how the retention of introns affects gene regulation and can lead to diseases. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the research seeks to provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms of RNA processing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases caused by misregulation of RNA splicing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding RNA splicing mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Tracy L — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Tracy L
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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.