Understanding how miR-718 affects genes and cell changes
Official title: In Vitro Identification of miR-718 targets and miR-718-induced epigenetic modifications
Funded at University of South Carolina · NIH-11161609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how a tiny molecule called miR-718 changes gene activity in human cells, which could be important for understanding diseases like cancer and heart conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Spartanburg, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $172,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM154787-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161609 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational laboratory work does not directly involve patients, but future studies building on these findings may seek individuals with cancers, cardiovascular disease, or neurological disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not affected by cancers, cardiovascular disease, or neurological disorders would not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
Our bodies have tiny molecules called microRNAs that can turn genes on or off without changing our DNA. This project focuses on one specific microRNA, miR-718, which we know very little about. We are working with human cells in the lab to discover which genes miR-718 controls and how it causes changes in these genes. By understanding these basic processes, we hope to uncover new ways that diseases develop.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for future medicines aimed at treating cancers, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders by adjusting miR-718 activity.
How similar studies have gone: Research on miR-718 is currently limited, making this a novel and foundational exploration into its mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina
Spartanburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shorter, Kimberly R — University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Shorter, Kimberly R
Related research
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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.