Understanding how RNA is made and folded in bacteria and human mitochondria

Mechanism of transcription and related gene expression processes in bacteria and human mitochondria

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-10874512

This study is looking at how RNA is made and shaped in bacteria and human cells, especially in the mitochondria, to see how things like temperature and acidity affect this process, and it aims to create new ways to see how RNA folds while it's being made, which could help us understand gene expression better, especially in healthy versus mutated cells.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10874512 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the process of RNA synthesis and folding in both bacteria and human mitochondria. It focuses on how various factors, such as temperature and pH, influence the kinetics of RNA synthesis by RNA polymerase. The project aims to develop innovative tools to visualize RNA folding during transcription and to compare the folding processes of healthy and mutated mitochondrial transfer RNAs. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to shed light on the regulation of gene expression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic mutations affecting mitochondrial function or related disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to mitochondrial dysfunction or RNA synthesis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into genetic disorders related to mitochondrial function and RNA processing.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding RNA folding and its implications in various diseases, making this approach promising.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.