Understanding how modified RNAs fold and function
Official title: Prediction of nearest neighbor parameters for folding RNAs with modified nucleotides
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10783790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of RNA, which are important for our cells and can be used in medicine, fold into their shapes, and it's designed to help scientists better predict these shapes so they can improve treatments that use RNA.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $164,971 |
| NIH project number | 5R21GM148835-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10783790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to RNA dysfunction or those who may benefit from RNA-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have RNA-related conditions or who are not candidates for RNA therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how natural and synthetic RNAs, which are crucial for cellular functions and medical applications, fold into complex structures. It focuses on developing computational methods to predict the folding of RNAs that contain modified nucleotides, which can significantly affect their stability and function. By improving the accuracy of RNA structure predictions, this research aims to enhance our understanding of gene regulation and the development of RNA-based therapies. The approach combines computational thermodynamics with insights into the effects of chemical modifications on RNA folding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective RNA-based therapies and a better understanding of gene regulation in various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using computational methods for RNA structure prediction is established, the specific focus on modified nucleotides represents a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aviran, Sharon — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Aviran, Sharon
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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.