Understanding how our cells manage RNA
Mechanisms of human RNA turnover and quality control
This research helps us understand how human cells keep their genetic instructions healthy by getting rid of faulty RNA, which is important for overall cell function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11081629 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells constantly make RNA, which carries genetic instructions, but sometimes these RNAs can be damaged or faulty. This project looks at how cells identify and remove these imperfect RNAs, especially the non-coding types that make up most of our cell's RNA. We want to discover the specific ways cells tell good RNA from bad and what happens when this clean-up process doesn't work correctly. By studying these mechanisms, we hope to learn more about how problems in RNA quality control can affect our health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future studies building on this knowledge may seek individuals with conditions linked to RNA quality control issues.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical interventions would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal fundamental processes that contribute to various human diseases, potentially leading to new ways to understand and treat them.
How similar studies have performed: While much is known about quality control for protein-coding RNAs, this specific focus on non-coding RNA quality control mechanisms in humans is a less explored and novel area.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lykke-Andersen, Jens — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Lykke-Andersen, Jens
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.