Understanding how ribosomes interact with mRNA to improve protein synthesis analysis
Official title: Polysome Shadowing
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-10764274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to see how ribosomes connect with mRNA while making proteins, which could help us understand protein production better and lead to better treatment options for patients with different health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21GM148845-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10764274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic or acquired conditions that affect protein synthesis or function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein synthesis or those who do not have genetic predispositions affecting protein function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new technique to analyze how ribosomes bind to mRNA molecules during protein synthesis. By combining chemical footprinting and advanced single molecule sequencing technology, the project aims to visualize and identify the specific sites where ribosomes interact with mRNA. This innovative approach could enhance our understanding of protein synthesis in both model organisms and humans, potentially leading to new clinical applications. Patients may benefit from insights gained through improved protein synthesis analysis, which could inform treatment strategies for various conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding protein synthesis, which may improve treatment options for patients with conditions related to protein misfolding or synthesis.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach combines established techniques with novel applications, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of molecular biology, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arribere, Joshua — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Arribere, Joshua
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.